More than 350 athletes competed in a three-day Sqay event in Srinagar from October 29 to 31, backed by Usha International through its Usha Play initiative, according to Greater Kashmir. The event was in Srinagar, but the sport belongs to the whole UT, which is why it is worth a Jammu reader's attention.
What is Sqay?
Sqay is an indigenous martial art of Jammu and Kashmir that uses armed and unarmed combat techniques. Its signature equipment is the bargula, a shield, and the tora, a leather-covered bamboo sword.
How is it competed?
- Loba: combat, the fight format.
- Khawankay: artistic events built on preset routines.
- Aerosqay: routines performed to music.
The mix of combat and performance categories means the sport has room for both fighters and athletes who prefer choreography.
Who said what
Grandmaster Nazir Ahmad Mir, the founder of Sqay and Secretary General of the International Council of Sqay, said the sport "represents the spirit, resilience, and cultural legacy of Jammu & Kashmir." Komal Mehra, Head of Sports Initiatives and Associations at Usha International, said that when indigenous sports like Sqay are practised, they keep alive a legacy. Dr Tassaduq Hussain Mir, JKAS (Custodian General), was chief guest.
What has not been reported
The article does not name the winners or say whether the event feeds into national selection. For a young Jammu athlete wanting to try Sqay, the J&K Sqay Association is the body named in the report; its contact details were not given.
Source: Greater Kashmir, Usha backs Sqay martial arts event in Srinagar (November 4, 2026).
