Tajamul Islam, a seven-year-old Kashmiri girl is all set to represent India on an international platform. Islam is the first Kashmiri girl who is going to participate at the world kickboxing champion in Italy in November.

Tajamul has come up a long way:

• In 2014, she started her journey learning martial arts from a local institute

• She became the best fighter at state level and was awarded a gold medal in Jammu

• After winning a state level championship, she was invited at the 2015 National Kickboxing Championship in New Delhi

• Tajamul bagged the gold medal in sub-junior category at the 2015 National Kickboxing Championship

• This win got her national recognition and she got the ticket to participate at the national kickboxing champion in Italy

Praises pour in for the young athlete:

• Though the young soul had to compete against a 13-year-old opponent, Tajamul punched her out in 15 minutes

• The chief coach at the championship, Kuldip Handu, appreciated the fact that despite weighing lesser than the opponent by eight kilograms, she managed to grab the national medal

• Shabnam Kounser, principal of the school, says “Tajamul is good in studies and other extracurricular activities. She dances well. She has her own team here and teaches them dancing. She is a bright kid and very good at studies.”

• A senior army official, who is providing financial help to the girl, said, “She is an inspiration for all. Even I have learned a few things from her. She is a champion. All that the army can do is inspire children like her and support them. It is their parents who have to see to it that their children chase and realise their dreams.”

Tajamul is really excited to be a part of an international event. However, before stepping in for the national kickboxing championship she was “a little afraid” when she saw her (opponent). But then she consoled herself saying that “age or body structure does not matter”.

“I will remain focused and give my best shot,” she told to the PTI.

source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in /  IndiaToday.in / Home> Education> News> Story / New Delhi , April 29th, 2016