The worn-down Sher-i-Kashmir indoor stadium in Srinagar is a hub of activity through the day. An old portrait of former Chief Minister Sheikh Abdullah looks down upon rows of badminton courts, where players stretch and warm up between games. Row upon row of broken chairs fill the rafters and damage caused by the 2014 floods is still evident along the walls. In a far corner, neatly dressed in stark white judo uniforms and hijabs, is the Jammu and Kashmir girls judo team.

The modern Japanese martial art, which literally translates into "the gentle way", was developed in 1892 by Japanese educator Jigoro Kano. Central to Kano's vision for judo were the principles of seiryoku zen'yō (maximum efficiency, minimum effort) and jita kyōei (mutual welfare and benefit). Judo was made an Olympic sport in 1964 and women's Judo became a medal event in 1988. The first written record about judo in India is about demonstrations and coaching by Shinzo Tagaki, which were arranged by Rabindranath Tagore at Shantiniketan in 1929 . The Judo Federation of India was formed in 1965. At the 2010 Judo World Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Thoudam Kalpana Devi of Manipur became the first Indian to finish in the top three.

For these young Kashmiri girls, the worn mats are their sanctuaries. They spend more than three hours a day practicing flips and takedowns. Aged 5-17, these determined girls learn the ancient art of judo from their instructor for whom they have the greatest respect. Their biggest inspiration is Ronda Rousey, an American mixed martial arts fighter with a history of judo training.

Most of these girls have fought social and familial stigmas to be a part of a growing appreciation for judo and mixed martial arts in the Kashmir valley. Everyday, children of all ages train hard and compete in local competitions as well as national tournaments. On this particular day, the Jammu & Kashmir under-21 women's judo team was holding final trials for a national competition. While business carried on as usual across the main arena, the air was tense in one corner as weigh-ins began.

The images below shed light on the Jammu & Kashmir judo team, where men and women practice together at the Sher-i-Kashmir indoor stadium in Srinagar.


The Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Stadium in Srinagar's Wazir Bagh was badly affected by the 2014 floods. Apathy and neglect are telling on the structure.



The sub-junior weigh-ins take place for team selection. The girls will be competing at the upcoming nationals  in Andhra Pradesh.



A young competitor fills in her contact information. The youngest of the participants, this bright girl smiled throughout her training session.



Takedowns and over-the-shoulder flips are key moves in judo. The girls practice relentlessly for three hours a day.



Another move is grappling on the floor to pin down an opponent in a submission hold. These girls share a light moment knowing the camera is on them.



Judo practice takes place in a corner of the stadium, which is mainly dedicated to badminton and other racquet sports. The stadium has a large portrait of former chief minister Sheikh Abdullah.



The hijab is a part of their uniform. The crisp white uniforms are often shared, as not everyone can afford one.



 Full of hope and optimism in the the power of sport, these girls look to a brighter future in the valley. 



 Coaches observe a sparring session. The head coach is a national judo champion and his two children are part of the class.



With no female opponent in her weight class, a girl spars with a male competitor. She dominates throughout the selection process and wins by knockout each time.