Punit Balan Group is helping young people from Jammu & Kashmir to compete in international sports competitions since 2018. The group has recently signed Bilal Ahmad Dar, the only international cyclist from the region, to help him achieve his dream of representing India at the Olympics.
Punit Balan is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, social worker, and sports lover who has been working with the Indian Army since 2018 to promote free education and rebuild the lives of children affected by drugs and militancy in the valley. Balan Group is dedicated to supporting young people in achieving their dreams and fostering a culture of excellence and growth.
Bilal Ahmad Dar, who comes from Kawoosa village in Budgam district, was spotted during a talent hunt in Srinagar and went on to represent the country globally. He won a silver and bronze medal at the Asian Junior Championship (2019) and two silver medals at the Asia Cup in 2018. Dar aims to represent India at the Olympics and is grateful for the support from Punit Sir and his team.
The group has supported around 5000 youths, including athletes such as Afreen Hayder (Taekwondo), Muhammad Saleem (Cycling), Umar Shah (Cricket), and Umeer Syed (Kho Kho). Punit Balan Group and Indrani Balan Foundation aim to take several initiatives to bring the youth of the region into mainstream sports.
