Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Oct 14: Wearing a safety vest and uniform while splattering colours across a mock battlezone, paintball is fast winning hearts in Kashmir.
Once known mainly for cricket and football, the valley is now witnessing a fresh wave of recreational excitement as paintball — the global combat sport born in the U.S. makes its entry in Srinagar’s Rajbagh.
It all began with young entrepreneur Tajamul, who transformed the top floor of a building in Rajbagh into Kashmir’s first and only indoor paintball arena. The game offers a taste of action long missing from the region’s leisure scene.
“I wanted to bring something new to Kashmir, something that takes people away from their daily scrolling or online gaming and lets them enjoy in a safe, exciting way,” Tajamul said while holding paintballs in his hand and briefing players about the game.
He said paintball is not just about shooting colours but about teamwork, bonding, and unforgettable moments. “Players gear up in two teams, helmets and protective safety vests before charging into friendly battles that combine teamwork, adrenaline and thrill,” he added.
It is worth mentioning that the sport, which originated in the 1980s in the United States, has become a global craze with arenas in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai. For Kashmir, where recreational infrastructure has long remained limited, the entry of paintball marks a refreshing shift.
About the introduction of this sport, Tajamul said he has been trying to bring this game to the valley since 2017. “We introduced paintball in Kashmir in 2017, and now, after so many years, we have started the arena in Rajbagh,” he said.
“Families, kids, students, married couples and even office-goers are showing up to try their hand at the game, which has quickly turned into a popular activity,” he added, noting that many say it is not just about fun but also about building fitness, bonding with your family, and staying active.
Tajamul further said the venture was not easy. “Bringing the gear, setting up a safe arena and convincing people that it’s an all-season adventure — all of that took time. But once people tried it, they loved it,” he said with a smile.
Similarly, paintball’s rise in the valley also signals a changing mindset, where recreation and innovation are slowly replacing uncertainty and reviving the love for new-age games—(KNO)
