Srinagar, Aug 23 (JKNS): The three-day Wushu Selection Trials for the 20th Asian Games (scheduled to be held in Japan from 19th September to 4th October 2026) commenced today at the Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex, Srinagar.
The event was formally inaugurated by Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadke, who lauded the efforts of the Wushu Association of India (WAI) for its meticulous planning and commitment towards achieving the projected medal targets at the Games.
Nearly 200 athletes from across the country are participating in the Sanda (combat) event of the trials. The Taolu (routine) selection trials will be held at Imphal from 25th to 27th August 2025.
As per the selection policy, the Technical Committee of WAI will shortlist 08 athletes across 07 categories (5 men + 2 women). Ranking tournaments will then be conducted every two months until June 2026, the deadline for final entries. The ultimate Asian Games squad will be decided on the basis of athletes’ performance in:
* Ranking tournaments
* National coaching camps
* Foreign exposure training & competitions
During her address, Smt. Khadke congratulated the Wushu Association of J&K for successfully hosting the trials with the support of the J&K Sports Council. She emphasized that J&K is an ideal hub for martial arts training, particularly Wushu, and stressed the need to establish a High-Performance Centre for Wushu in the region. She also highlighted that hosting events of national and international repute would significantly promote sports tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including:
* Sh. Anand Jain, IPS (ADGP Armed J&K) – Guest of Honour
* Ms. Nuzhat Gul (Secretary, J&K Sports Council) – Guest of Honour
* Sh. Vijay Saraf (General Secretary, WAI)
* Sh. Suhel Ahmed (CEO, WAI)
* Sh. Kuldeep Handoo (National Chief Coach & Dronacharya Awardee)
The weigh-in ceremony and draw of lots were completed in the morning, while the bouts will begin tomorrow and continue for two days.
The Selection Committee for the trials comprises:
* Sh. Kuldeep Handoo – National Chief Coach, Dronacharya Awardee
* Sh. Sopan Shankar Katke – International Judge
* Sh. Sandeep Goswami – International Judge
* Sh. Amit Goswami – International Player
along with other technical officials from the Wushu Association of India. (JKNS)
