# Badamwari Athletes

Badamwari Athletes is an adventure sports group based in Kashmir, founded by Bilal Ahmad Beigh on 28 September 2023.The group focuses on promoting outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and physical fitness among the youth of the region. By leveraging Kashmir's stunning natural landscapes, Badamwari Athletes encourages a healthy, active lifestyle and promotes adventure tourism. Through its efforts, the group plays a significant role in inspiring local communities, particularly young people, to engage in outdoor sports, fostering physical well-being and contributing to the growth of tourism in the area.

## Key events and initiatives

* Felicitation of Outstanding Sportspersons : In October 2023, Badamwari Athletes organized a program to honor exceptional athletes from the Kashmir Valley. The event, held at Badamwari, included participation from top athletes and clubs, emphasizing the group's commitment to recognizing and promoting local talent.
* Aamadai Bahar Event: In April 2024, the club organized the "Aamadai Bahar" event in the serene spring ambiance of Badamwari Park. The gathering aimed to express gratitude for nature and promote a healthy lifestyle among all walks of life. A 3 km run was organized to showcase commitment and compassion, addressing societal issues like drug abuse and environmental concerns.
* International Mountain Day Celebration: On December 11, 2024, Badamwari Athletes joined the J&K Tourism Department and Jammu & Kashmir Mountaineering and Adventure Club (JKMAC) to celebrate International Mountain Day. The event included trekking and awareness programs to promote mountain conservation and adventure tourism.
* Exploration of Alpine Lakes: Club member Zahid Kota achieved a milestone by exploring over 100 alpine lakes in Kashmir, highlighting the club's commitment to adventure sports and environmental appreciation.
* Heart Health Awareness and Felicitation Event: The club organized a heart health awareness event to promote cardiovascular health in the community.The event also recognized Mudhasir Bashir Shah, Jalal Jeelani from Pathfinders, and Dr. Zubair Qureshi for their achievements in the Zojila Marathon.

## Marathons

* The Wullar Half Marathon, jointly organized by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHRD), was a resounding success, drawing around 700 participants from across the region. Among the standout performers were the athletes from the Badamwari Athletes group, who made a strong showing at the event.The Badamwari Athletes, a prominent local running group, sent 28 of their members to compete in the event, showcasing the depth of talent in the valley's running community. In the highly competitive 30–40 years age group, two Badamwari Athletes stood out with remarkable performances. Mudashir Bashir Shah, a renowned sports personality in the valley, finished in second place, while the shining star Zahid Rafi Kota secured the third position, despite the fierce competition in the 21.1 km Half Marathon.
* Zojila Pass Marathon : The Zojila High Altitude Marathon, held on May 19, 2024, was a landmark event in extreme sports, with 16 athletes tackling the challenging terrain from Sonamarg to Gumri in harsh conditions. The inspiration for the marathon came from four Badamwari Athletes—Suhail Khan, Kota Zahid, Sheikh Imran, and Abrar—who completed the run during the winter of 2024. Among the participants, 14-year-old Ziyan Afaq Mir stood out as the youngest competitor, while Mudasir Bashir Shah, Tiger Afaq Ahmad, and Kota Zahid completed the full marathon. The event also highlighted the importance of teamwork, with the support team—Ishfaq Bhat, Ahmadminza, Degloo Aaqib, and Shuyab Sufi—ensuring the athletes' well-being throughout the course. Flagged off by Bilal Beigh and Jalal Jeelani, the marathon showcased resilience and determination, reinforcing the message that no challenge is insurmountable with perseverance and self-belief.

## Conquering summits

* Sosriwan Pass : On October 6, 2024, a team of 17 skilled trekkers successfully scaled the challenging Sosriwan Pass, reaching an altitude of 4,130 meters above sea level in a remarkable display of endurance and mountaineering expertise. The expedition, organized by Crampon Adventures in collaboration with Badamwari Athletes, revisited the Katarnag lakes after a four-year hiatus and ventured further to explore the less-visited Sosriwan lakes. The trek began at Aru, Pahalgam, at 7:30 AM, with the team led by front leaders Sahil Qayoum and Showkat Kashmiri, while Zahid Kota managed the middle of the group, and Noman Bashir Lone and Sohail Yousuf Khan brought up the rear. The route spanned approximately 19.5 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of around 2,000 meters. By 11:30 AM, the team reached Katarnag Lake 1, located at 3,732 meters. After a brief rest, they continued towards the demanding Sosriwan Pass, which they successfully conquered by 1:30 PM, enjoying panoramic views of both the Katarnag and Sosriwan areas. The expedition also included visits to Katarnag Lake 2 (3,850 meters) and the Sosriwan lakes (3,630 meters). After spending 45 minutes at the summit, the team began their descent at 1:45 PM, reaching Aru by 6:30 PM after a well-deserved lunch break. Classified as a moderate to hard trek, this expedition highlighted the stunning natural beauty of Kashmir's high-altitude landscapes while testing the limits of the team's physical and mental endurance. The successful completion of this challenging journey not only marked a significant achievement for the trekkers but also underscored the region's potential for adventure tourism. Through such expeditions, new routes are explored, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Kashmir Himalayas is brought to the forefront, paving the way for future trekking enthusiasts to experience the region's majestic wilderness.
* Tatakooti peak : In a remarkable display of resilience, teamwork, and faith, Crampon Adventures and Badamwari Athletes successfully summited Tatakooti Peak on September 22, 2024. This challenging expedition was undertaken by climbers Zahid Kota, Sahil Qayoom, Nauman Bashir, Rameez Bhat, Parvaiz Ahmad, Sohail Yousuf Khan, and Mir Yaqoob, driven by a passion for adventure and a belief that divine guidance would lead them to their goal. "Tatakooti demands more than physical endurance—it's about trust, collaboration, and resilience," said Zahid Kota. "Through the grace of Allah SWT, we overcame every challenge." The journey began on September 21, 2024, at 10:45 AM from Dodpathri, with the team swiftly reaching Diskal by 12:10 PM. Surrounded by the pristine beauty of nature, they proceeded to Dumail Base Camp, arriving at 2:50 PM. After setting up camp, they explored Kon Nag briefly before preparing for the final push to the summit. "We knew the real challenge lay ahead," reflected Parvaiz Ahmad. "Exploring Kon Nag was a treat, but the summit was our goal." The climbers awoke at 4:30 AM, fortified by tea and determination. Under the leadership of Sahil Qayoom and Zahid Kota, with Nauman Bashir managing the group, the team navigated treacherous terrain—scree, loose rocks, and steep verticals—with unwavering spirit and faith. Despite moments of uncertainty, they pressed on with courage. "At times, we felt lost in the wilderness, but we pressed on with courage," said Nauman Bashir. By 10:20 AM, they reached the summit at 4,760 meters, rewarded with stunning views and a profound sense of connection to the divine. "We stood in awe of the majesty of the mountains and felt the greatness of Allah SWT," said Mir Yaqoob. "It was truly humbling." Aware of the weather conditions, the team began their descent at 11:15 AM, skillfully navigating glacier crevasses with the expertise of Nauman Bashir, Rameez Bhat, and the rest of the group. They arrived back at Dumail Base Camp by 3:00 PM, celebrating their success before heading back to Dodpathri, where they arrived at 8:45 PM under the cover of darkness. "This journey was more than just reaching the top," said Sohail Yousuf Khan. "It was about humility, unity, and the power of faith." The successful summit of Tatakooti Peak stands as a testament to the team's resilience, the power of faith, and the deep connection between humanity and nature—an achievement that transcends mere physical accomplishment.