Jammu, 30 January: GR8 Sports India Private Limited was awarded the prestigious ‘Top Startup of the Year’ title by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir at the Annual Startup Mela held in Jammu on 29th January, 2026.
The award was presented by the Chief Minister of the Union Territory of J&K Mr. Omar Abdullah at the event organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) under the Industries and Commerce Department, in the presence of industry leaders and key stakeholders from the Union Territory’s startup ecosystem. The award was received by the Fawzul-Kabiir and M. Niaz-ul-Kabir, founders of GR8 Sports India Private Limited and included a Certificate of Excellence along with award money to support further growth of the startup.
The recognition places GR8 Sports among the leading innovators in Jammu and Kashmir’s sports manufacturing sector, particularly for its contribution to the production of Kashmir Willow cricket bats. The startup has achieved distinction as the only ICC-certified and approved cricket bat brand from the Kashmir Valley and has represented Indian sports craftsmanship at various international tournaments, expos and trade fairs.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Fawzul-Kabir, one of the founders said the honour reflects the credibility and impact GR8 Sports’ efforts and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding business processes and globalization of Kashmir Willow that can create lasting local impact.
Speaking on the occasion, Niaz-ul-Kabiir, co-founder of GR8 Sports, said that the recognition hasn’t come overnight and is the result of relentless dedication and belief in innovation.
The selection followed a rigorous evaluation by a government-appointed committee, which assessed startups across the Union Territory on parameters including innovation, scalability, sustainability, governance, industry linkages and overall contribution to the J&K economy.
It may be noted that GR8 Sports had earlier won the Startup Maharathi title at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, emerging from among over 1.5 lakh startups from across the country. The latest state-level recognition further strengthens GR8 Sports’ position as a leading name in India’s sports manufacturing ecosystem.
