Srinagar, Nov 8: Delhi Public School, Srinagar, celebrated a major sporting milestone this November as four student shuttlers secured coveted places in two prestigious national badminton tournaments. These consecutive qualifications at the Union Territory level highlight the rigorous sports training culture at the school and place its young athletes at the forefront of regional competition.
The latest triumph unfolded during the Union Territory Level Badminton Championship held from 5 to 6 November 2026 at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex in Gogji Bagh, Srinagar. The Directorate of Youth Services and Sports organised the two-day tournament to identify top regional talent for the upcoming National Level SGFI Badminton Championship. Three DPS Srinagar students distinguished themselves in the Under-14 category through superior court coverage and tactical discipline. Yahya Ajaz of Class VI, Inaaya Raafi Baba of Class VII and Mohammad Moosa of Class IX claimed top honours and earned direct entry into the National School Games.
This November victory built upon an earlier breakthrough at the Union Territory selection trials conducted from 10 to 14 October 2026. Following five days of intense matches against top contenders from across the region, two students from the school earned the right to represent the Union Territory at the Federation National Badminton Championship scheduled for December 2026. Yahya Ajaz of Class VI achieved a rare double qualification across both national circuits through his relentless speed and shot precision. Tarahum Sadiya of Class XI distinguished herself in the senior category with remarkable composure and secured her place on the Union Territory squad through decisive victories.
Securing multiple berths across both the School Games Federation of India circuit and the Federation Nationals reflects the structured athletic programme at Delhi Public School Srinagar. These achievements have been made possible, in no small measure, by the sporting facilities available at the school, including a dedicated indoor badminton court and the guidance of a dedicated badminton coach. The physical education faculty and coaching staff work closely with student-athletes to combine high-intensity conditioning with academic focus. The four qualified shuttlers have now begun specialised training sessions as they prepare to represent both the school and the Union Territory on the national stage this winter.
Congratulating the students on their achievements, Principal Ms Shafaq Afshan remarked, “True education extends far beyond the classroom walls and finds expression in the resilience of our athletes on the court. Watching Yahya, Inaaya, Moosa and Tarahum earn national representation fills our entire academic community with immense pride. Their success proves that disciplined preparation and mental fortitude yield extraordinary results when young minds receive the right guidance.”
Chairman Mr Vijay Dhar also expressed his appreciation for the students’ achievements, stating, “Sportsmanship builds the foundational character required to lead in the modern world. Our students will carry both the banner of Delhi Public School Srinagar and the sporting aspirations of the entire Union Territory when they step onto the national stage this winter. We remain committed to providing world-class athletic infrastructure so our youth can compete and triumph at the highest levels of national and international sport.”
