JAMMU: 21-year-old Nazia Bibi from Nagrota area of Jammu and Kashmir has become the first athlete from the erstwhile state to be selected for the Indian Women's Kho Kho team competing in the World Cup.

The tournament, featuring over 20 nations, kicks off on January 13, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

Daughter of shopkeeper Sabar Ali and Zulekha Bibi, Nazia belongs to a tribal community and began her Kho Kho journey during her school years.

Over the past seven years, she transitioned to professional-level play while pursuing her BA at Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Govt College for Women in Jammu.

Nazia credits her Army-serving cousins for inspiring her to take up sports. "Watching my cousins excel in athletics fueled my passion to pursue a career in sports," she said. Her relentless dedication led her to become the sole female athlete from J&K selected for the Indian team after participating in a national camp alongside three other athletes from the region.

Her family expressed immense pride in her achievement. "They are proud and praying for the team's success in the World Cup," Nazia shared.

Dr. Baljinder Kour, President of the J&K State Kho Kho Association, and General Secretary Amrinder Pal Singh lauded Nazia's achievement, calling it a milestone for sports in the region and a beacon of inspiration for future athletes.