The Kota Railway Station witnessed a jubilant scene as city residents came together to honour Ayesha Khan, a local athlete who recently clinched a silver medal in the 200-meter race at the 39th National Junior Athletics Championship.
Adorned with flower garlands, Ayesha was welcomed like a star and paraded through the city in an open jeep from the railway station to the cantonment area.
The streets came alive as large crowds gathered along the procession route, which passed through Nayapura and Kotri before concluding at Ayesha’s home. The grand celebration symbolised the unity and pride of Kota’s people in nurturing and supporting exceptional talent.
The event drew dignitaries and prominent figures, including Farooq Rana, National Secretary of Pehal Foundation, former District Sports Officer Abdul Aziz, Councilor Salina Sherry, and social worker Wazid Mansuri, among others, underscoring the community’s commitment to fostering and celebrating athletic achievement.
Ayesha’s victory carries a story of resilience and determination. A resident of Chhawni, she fulfilled the dream of her late father, Abdul Rahim, by winning the silver medal. Her father, who ran a tire repair shop on the Kota-Baran highway, aspired to see his children excel as national-level athletes. Tragically, he passed away on November 27 in a tire burst accident while at work.
Amid this heart-breaking loss, Ayesha displayed remarkable strength, persevering in her training and competition with the unwavering support of her family and community.
In the wake of her father’s sudden death, Ayesha’s family faced emotional and financial hardships. However, the Kota community stepped in, offering both moral and financial assistance to help them navigate this challenging time.
Competing in both the 100-meter and 200-meter races, Ayesha secured the silver medal in the 200 meters. Her achievement not only honours her father’s memory but also inspires countless others by proving that courage and determination can overcome even the greatest challenges.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> News> Sports / by Raheem Khan, Radiance News Bureau (headline edited) / December 16th, 2024
Proddatur prodigy excels in sports while balancing academic commitments, with eyes set on the Olympics
New Delhi :
In a time when youth are often told to prioritise studies over sports, Mohammad Ubaid, a 15-year-old from Proddatur in Andhra Pradesh, is proving that both can be pursued successfully. Over the past three years, Ubaid has won nine gold medals in rifle shooting at state and national competitions, all while maintaining a strong academic record. His remarkable achievements are bound to inspire young athletes across India.
Ubaid’s journey in shooting began in 2021, when he attended a summer camp at the George Club in Proddatur. There, under the guidance of his coach Raghavendra, he discovered a passion for the sport. Despite being only in the seventh grade, Ubaid committed himself to hours of daily training, quickly rising through the ranks and gaining recognition for his skills.
“Balancing academics and sports isn’t easy, but I stay disciplined. When I’m not studying, I’m practicing,” Ubaid says, sharing the secret to his success.
His hard work paid off early, with Ubaid winning two gold medals in the open sight category at the Andhra Pradesh State Level Championships in 2022. That same year, he took home another gold in the under-19 category at the SGFI State Level Competition in Rajahmundry, earning a spot at the national competition. He went on to represent his state at the national level in Delhi.
Ubaid’s winning streak continued into 2024. At the Andhra Pradesh State Level Championships, he won four gold medals across multiple categories, including sub-youth, youth, junior men, and men’s divisions. He also claimed a gold in the under-17 open sight category at the SGFI State Level Competition in Rajahmundry, qualifying for the national competition in Indore later this year.
Despite his impressive achievements in shooting, Ubaid remains committed to his education. He trains for four hours every day but temporarily reduced his practice schedule to focus on preparing for his Class 10 board exams. He plans to continue his studies at Vishwa Shanti Junior College in Vijayawada, where he will pursue both his academic and sporting goals.
“I want to compete on the international stage for India at least once in my lifetime. My ultimate goal is to participate in the Olympics, and that drives me every day,” says Ubaid.
With his determination and impressive track record, Ubaid is quickly becoming an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country. As he prepares for the Under-17 national competition in Indore this December, all eyes will be on this young shooting star who continues to defy expectations.
source: http://www.clarionindia.com / Clarion India / Home> Editors Pick> Indian Muslim / by Mohammad Alamullah, Clarion India / November 29th, 2024
When we talk about Baseball, India is not the country one would think about, but the game is not only catching up in the country, but India also has an internationally recognised umpire.
Meet Shaheen Begum, India’s first internationally recognised baseball umpire.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Sports / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / March 20th, 2020
The 73-year-old Ali has coached some prominent Indian Davis Cuppers like Gaurav Natekar, Asif Ismail and Mark Ferreira
It is no mean feat to complete 50 years as a coach in any sport and the veteran tennis coach Tahir Ali has accomplished exactly that.
The 73-year-old coach from Mumbai who has been at the forefront of tennis coaching in the city at some of the most prestigious clubs including Bandra Gymkhana, MSLTA, CCI and PJ Hindu Gymkhana, where he is currently a mentor and coach, feels a sense of nostalgia reminiscing about the bygone years.
“I feel great at having completed 50 years. It’s an amazing feeling to be doing what I love for so long and it’s probably the first time such a thing is happening,” Ali said.
Ali started his career at the Bandra Gymkhana where he started coaching in 1974 soon after his stint with a one-year diploma course from the National Insititute of Sport (NIS), Patiala.
The coach, who is the cousin brother of former Davis Cupper Akhtar Ali and uncle of Zeeshan Ali, produced several State-level and National-level players.
Among the most prominent ones who were his wards are Davis Cuppers Gaurav Natekar, Asif Ismail and Mark Ferreira, who represented India in the late 80s and the 90s.
Ali also counts Bollywood’s Mr Perfect Aamir Khan as one of his students during his coaching stint at Bandra Gymkhana and has fond memories of a young Aamir.
“He was very talented and was just 14 when he was under me at Bandra Gymkhana. I used to take him to various tournaments including Pune Open. When I completed 25 years of coaching at CCI he came as the chief guest. He is a great human being,” the 73-year-old coach revealed.
Asked to mention the finest moments of his career and Ali counts two occasions as the best of all.
“When I was bestowed the All India Tennis Association (AITA) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and when I received the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, these were my best moments I feel,” he added.
The coach who has changed the lives of innumerable young tennis players says he had only one inspiration: the legendary Ramanathan Krishnan.
Krishnan had reached a career high ranking of World No 2 in men’s singles and had famously reached the Wimbledon men’s singles semifinals in 1960 and 1961.
“He was someone I grew up watching from close and that inspired me immensely,” he added.
Looking at the progress Indian tennis has made over the years with the rise of the likes of Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, Ali feels Indian tennis is moving in the right direction.
source: http://www.freepressjournal.cin / The Free Press Journal / Home> Top News / by Haridev Pushparaj / February 21st, 2024
At the age of 18, this Khammam athlete is running, not only for medals but also to help her family escape poverty.
18-year-old Sk Afreen
Khammam:
At an age when most young adults are just beginning to explore their independence and dreams, 18-year-old Sk Afreen from Khammam is racing ahead — not just to win medals but to support her family. A cheetah on the track, this second-year BA student has set her sights on using her athletic talent to help her family break free from the clutches of poverty.
She primarily competes in the 200- and 400-metre sprints and the triple jump categories. For the 18-year-old, it all began when her father, Raheem, took her to the Sardar Patel Stadium in the city about four years ago. Afreen was mesmerised by the sight of young girls exercising, training and speaking to the coaches. Soon after, she enrolled in an athletics programme under local coach Md Ghouse.
Afreen’s determination and hard work have already led her to notable achievements. She recently secured second place in the Telangana South Zone Athletics Championship, held at the Regional Sports Hostel Stadium in Karimnagar from October 30 to November 1.
She also took second place in the 10th Telangana State Junior Athletics Championships in the 400- and 200-metre races, held at Osmania University in Hyderabad on September 19 and 20. Furthermore, she achieved third place in the Junior National Athletics Championships at Nagarjuna University in Guntur, held from October 17-19. Earlier, she also claimed third place in the Telangana State Youth 400-metre Athletics Championship, held at JN Stadium in Hanamkonda from October 6-7.
Despite her achievements, Afreen’s journey has been far from easy. Her father, Raheem, works as a home guard in the Khammam police department, with his entire family relying on his salary. Supporting Afreen’s athletic needs has placed a financial strain on him. “We’re facing hardships in providing her equipment,” Raheem shared, mentioning that he recently purchased a pair of shoes for Rs 12,000, half his monthly income.
“If someone could help us, it would make a big difference,” he added, hopeful for donors who might support his daughter’s aspirations.
Khammam police chief Sunil Dutt felicitates SK Afreen after her recent performances across southern India
Coach Ghouse praised Afreen’s potential, stating, “She is talented and competes with dedication. She has a bright future if she continues like this.”
‘I want to represent India’
Speaking to TNIE, Afreen shares, “Athletics is more than a passion; it’s my lifeline.”
The starting blocks and finish lines represent steps toward a future where her family no longer struggles, she elaborates.
Afreen credits her success to her coach and her family’s support. “My goal is to represent India, secure a government job and support my family,” she says.
In recognition of her achievements, Khammam Commissioner of Police (CP) Sunil Dutt recently felicitated her at his office, commending her resilience and determination.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by B Satyanarayana Reddy / November 03rd, 2024
Eid Meelad-un-Nabi Cricket Tournament – 2024, organised by Mysore Meelad Cricket Association as part of Eid Meelad festival was held at Maharaja’s College Cricket Grounds in city recently.
A total of 24 teams participated in the tournament in which Titan Cricket team won the tournament while Moonstar Cricket team secured the runners up place.
Batting first, Titan Cricket team scored 198 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. Chasing the target, Moonstar team could score 183 runs and lost all their wickets.
Rohan Naveen, who scored 115 runs and bagged three wickets, was declared ‘Man of the Match’ while ‘Best Batsman and Man of the Series’ was awarded to Imran and ‘Best Bowler’ was awarded to Kifayat.
In an effort to unite Bhatkallis residing in Dubai and other parts of the United Arab Emirates, the “AUZ Blast Edition 2” cricket tournament is set to commence in Dubai on October 26, 2024. The tournament is being organized by the Dubai-based Bhatkal companies, AUZ real estate and Nuha General Trading.
Providing details to the media, Ismail Mohtisham, the media coordinator of the organizing committee, explained that the purpose of the tournament is to bring together young cricket enthusiasts and players who are working in different parts of Dubai and the UAE, and to provide them with a platform to showcase their talent and take their skills to new heights.
The spectacular cricket event will not only serve as a source of entertainment for the cricket fans of Coastal Karnataka living in the UAE but will also offer young players from Bhatkal and surrounding areas an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities on a prominent stage.
The auction for the players will be held on October 6, with the first match scheduled for October 26.
Mohtisham further shared that eight teams will participate in the tournament, with a total of 220 players registering their interest. Each team will consist of 16 players, including three guest players.
The winning team will be awarded a trophy along with a cash prize of AED 10,999, while the runner-up team will receive a trophy and AED 6,999. Individual performances will also be recognized, with a Man of the Match award for each game and the prestigious Man of the Tournament award for the best overall performance.
“The tournament format will feature eight teams divided into two groups, with each team playing three league matches,” Mohtisham added. “The top four teams will qualify for the playoffs, promising plenty of excitement and competition.”
In addition to the thrilling cricket matches, fans can look forward to an exciting atmosphere with snacks and gift hampers on offer, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone attending the AUZ Blast Edition 2.
All matches will be held at Al Batayah Stadium in Sharjah.
It is important to note that Sundays are official holidays in Dubai and the UAE, while most companies have half-day holidays on Saturdays.
According to the schedule, the tournament will kick off on the evening of Saturday, October 26, with the opening ceremony, followed by the first match at 9:30 PM. On Sunday, October 27, the first match will be played at 10:00 AM, the second at 2:00 PM, and the third at 5:30 PM. For the next two weeks, on November 3 and November 10, four matches will be held on Sundays. On Saturday, November 16, two matches will take place, and on Sunday, November 17, the second semi-final and the final match will be played.
source: http://www.sahilonline.com / Sahil Online / Home> Gulf News / by IG Bhatkal / S O News Service / October 04th, 2024
Haaequa Awati alias Hijabi trekker climbing Kalsubhi peak, the highest one in Maharashtra
Haaequa Awati of Junnar in Pune, Maharashtra, known as Hijabi Trekker for her passion for trekking in a hijab, is on an exploration of all the forts built by the Maratha Warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It’s interesting to note that both were born in Junnar, a historic city of Maharashtra.
Haaequa Awati’s bio on her Instagram account @hijabitrekker includes a quote, “Nature’s path is where the mind finds clarity, the body finds strength, and the heart finds freedom” Haika emerging as ‘Hijabi Trekker’ is creating a different identity through trekking.
Haaequa has been fascinated by forts since childhood. She feels drawn to the stories of Maharaj Chhatrapati Shivaji’s bravery. She developed an interest in outdoor sports right in school. Inspired by Shivaji’s stories, she picked up adventure sports.
Haaequa’s wanderlust started because of her passion for sports. She had been practicing taekwondo from the age of nine years. She is the first Muslim woman from Junnar taluk to earn a black belt.
“Being born in Shiv Janmabhoomi, I have had an adventurous spirit since childhood. I don’t have a brother, so I felt responsible for the protection of my sisters… In that sense, I learned taekwondo for self-defense out of my love for sports… From that love, I developed the hobby of trekking.”
Haaequa Awati practising martial arts
Haaequa spent her childhood in a village. Her father has a small tailoring business and her mother is a school teacher. Haaequa is the eldest of three sisters.
Haaequa came to Pune to pursue higher education. Sports and trekking are popular in her community, but higher education among women is not common. She completed her education while maintaining her passion for sports.
Haaequa got inspired to play sports, she says, “Being born in Shiv Janmabhoomi, I have had an adventurous spirit since childhood. As I didn’t have a brother, I felt responsible for protecting myself and my sisters… In that sense, I learned taekwondo for self-defense out of my love for sports… From that love, I developed the hobby of trekking.”
She came to Pune and completed her MBA from a reputed college and soon got a job. Soon she started coaching schoolchildren in sports and would use her weekends for trekking.
Haaequa Awati posing for a picture during one of her treks
She started trekking from the Shivjanmasthan Fort Shivneri, a fort build by Shivaji Maharaj. So far, she has collected that information by wandering in many places like Torna, Harishchandragad, Korigad, Kokandiva, Rajmachi, Bhuikot, Sea forts, and Mountain forts. Her travel vlogs have also become popular on YouTube and Instagram.
She says, “My mother, being a teacher, is always innovative. She knows a lot about social media and technology. So she gave me the idea to start the channel. After that, I started my channel on social media called ‘Hizbi Trekker’.”
Along with showing the beauty of Sahyadri through her social media, Haaequa tries to convey the culture of Maharashtra and the history preserved through the forts. She chooses a high-altitude fort or a mountain and climbs it wearing casual clothes that blend in with the forest. Haaequa decided to trek wearing a hijab. The idea behind it was to break the stereotype of a Hijab-wearing Muslim woman.
Haaequa has shown how modernity can be embraced while still maintaining religiosity and modest dressing. On being asked about her Hijab while trekking Haaequa said, “When I performed Umrah and Hajj in 2019, I gained more respect for the hijab. That’s when I realized that religion or culture never comes in the way of your ambition. We can fulfill our dreams even by wearing hijab. Because hijab is not compulsory but a matter of choice.”
Haaequa adds, “Many people think that being religious means you can’t live life as per your choice. I wanted to break this misconception. So I decided to wear my religious identity on my sleeves while pursuing my passion for trekking. That is how the concept of ‘Hijabi Trekker’ was born.”
On her logo on her social media pages, she says, “There is a lot of respect for our tricolor. It is also a place of inspiration. Inspired by the three colors of the tricolor, I created my Hizbi Trekker logo.”
Haaequa Awati in front of a monument up in the hills
Speaking about her journey from a passion for sports to trekking, Hayka says, “I’m trying to prove myself through this. I want to show that Muslim women are also leading the way in sports. Today, my social media followers refer to me as Hizbi Trekker. Hijabi Haaequa has become my identity.”
When asked about the difficulties she faced in her early days of trekking as a woman, she says, “While trekking, you have to wear loose but skimpy clothes. But I feel comfortable in full body coverings. So that one thing bothered me, but luckily some companies in Kerala have marketed full-body clothing used during trekking. It solved the problems of many girls like me.”
She further says, “I have met a lot of girls who want to do trekking. However, when it comes to trekking by women, many people wonder about where they would stay. Sometimes, the trekkers may also carry their children. I mostly get such reactions, especially from Muslim families. While searching for answers to such questions, I thought that we should curate trekking groups for women.”
Haaequa feels education is an important component of development and empowerment. Unfortunately, the level of education of Muslims in India especially in higher education is not very satisfactory. Although this society has been somewhat backward due to the lack of education, today it seems to be undergoing many positive changes.
Women face many problems due to lack of education. Therefore, Haaequa has expressed her strong opinion on the importance of education. “I got married in 2017,” Haaequa adds, adding that women should be educated and empowered. Opinion I had to separate from my husband within a year of marriage. After that, I had to face the questions of relatives and society. The couple also started a huge court battle for divorce and that battle is still going on. I realized that this battle could not be fought effectively without knowing the law.”
She adds, “There are many laws for women in our country. But I did not know how to use those laws. So I decided to study law to fight my own battle effectively.”
Haaequa is completing her LLB from a reputed college in Pune. After becoming financially strong, she wants to cobble a trekking group of women and start a fitness training center for the elderly women.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Bhakti Chalaka, Pune / October 24th, 2024
Nanzeen Rahman Zaffar at the World tennis Masters’ Tour in Portugal
A woman in her 40s; a homemaker, a doting mother, and an ideal daughter-in-law – Nazneen Rahman Zaffar of Guwahati is all this yet has a distinct identity. She is an international tennis player.
Nazneen proves that age is no bar to success She is a mother of two children manages her family well and is yet able to find the time and energy to excel in sports.
“I played sports in school but never got into sports professionally. In college, I was focused on studying. I started playing late in life after I got married.’ After 10 years of playing tennis, she took a break to care for her children and family.
“I started playing tennis in 2011 and the next year, I participated in the state-level tournaments. Tasting success, I was even more interested in playing, and later on, I trained well and played at the national level,” Zaffar told Awaz-The Voice.
Nazneen Zaffar playing tennis
Later Nazneen Zaffar finished among the top 10 at the ITF Masters.
She says her daughter encouraged and inspired her to play tennis. Her daughter is currently pursuing her higher studies at the A&M University in Texas.
“When I took my daughter Raina Zaffar to the stadium for tennis training, I too wanted to play. Some of my friends always told me that I played good tennis and I should continue. They told me that they wanted to see me at the international level in Indian colours. I thought; why not give it a try? I participated in the international games held by the All India Tennis Association in Haryana where I won my first trophy in the doubles event.”
Nazneer Zaffar with her trophis and receiving a trophy
Nazneen Zaffar won the All Assam CTC Mixed Doubles titles in 2023 and 2024, finished runner-up in World Masters Tournament 200 in Dubai in 2023, won titles in Masters Tournament 200 in Guwahati and in Darjeeling in 2023 and a Masters Tournament 100 in Gurugram in 2023.
She also won the doubles title in a Masters 400 in Thailand.
“I gradually started participating in more tournaments and my ranking improved. Then when India sent a women’s team for the World Championships, I was appointed its Captain.”
She took the first women’s tennis team to Portugal. “Most importantly, every player in our team was a mother. It’s nice to think that we have made a distinct identity after having children.”
Nazneen Zaffar with her husband Shahnawaz Zaffar.
Nazneen has broken the myth that it is difficult for women to maintain physical fitness after becoming mothers. Nazneen is an athlete and an active fitness influencer on social media as well.
“I think sports and physical education are always complementary. When I had to take my daughter to different places for sports, I had to take care of her body and fitness. Since it becomes too expensive to take a fitness coach with us every time, I studied how we can keep ourselves fit; and how a tennis player can take care of her fitness.”
“It becomes quite difficult for women of my age to keep fit after bearing children. Many women give up self-care. However, I believe that every woman should take care of herself, not just because she has to play sports, but for her physical and mental health. They must walk and do yoga. Muscle formation slows down in a woman after the age of 30. On the other hand, when the time of menopause comes at the age of 40, many hormonal imbalances occur.
Raina Zaffar in the tennis court (Left) Nazneen and his family in Tennis court
“We have to keep ourselves fit to deal with all these problems. There are so many women who after a certain age would say we can’t do this… we can’t do that. But I think there is no age to stop learning. Even a woman in her 80s and 90s can learn or do many things if she has the confidence and desire. When I started playing, there were very few women in Assam, but now many women have come out,” Nazneen said.
“I have been imparting free yoga training at the Khanapara ground. I believe apart from physical fitness, we must also focus on mental health. When we are mentally fit, we live happily and can also keep others happy; and deal with all the problems. When members of a family see this change in the woman, they too want to change,” the fitness influencer emphasized.
In many cases, a woman, especially a Muslim woman, finds going out a hassle. As a Muslim woman, Nazneen Zaffar has never encountered someone questioning or blocking her; rather she receives support from her family.
Nazneen Zaffar with the Indian team
“I get a lot of support from my family. My father supported me when I was young and later it was my husband Shahnawaz Zaffar. He is an NIS-accredited tennis coach. He guides me on many aspects of the game. Many women, especially Muslims, are reluctant to go out. I am very fortunate that my family supports me financially and mentally.”
Nazneen also links sports with religion and spiritualism. “I pray and fast regularly except sometimes when I am playing for competitions. When I have to go out for sports, I stay in a single room so that I can carry on with my religious activities smoothly. Religion helps us keep our bodies healthy. We fast for a month which is a very positive practice and this rule of fasting has many scientific implications for an athlete,” she said.
Since a player faces various situations during sports how can the player maintain mental stability to cope with good and bad situations are some difficult aspects of sports. Nazneen Zaffar, an athlete and fitness influencer, has done a course in sports psychology. Through this, she has been advising many players on how to keep their mental state stable.
“I did a course in sports psychology. Tennis is a very difficult game. There are many good and bad experiences. Since my daughter and son play along with me, I’ve done this course,” she said.
Nazneen with Bollywood actor Gul Panag
“I have been able to help my children stay mentally stable. I also advise many other players to stay strong. The course teaches how to deal with situations after losing a game or how to be determined. For instance, I have to decide the moment I enter the court that I have to win this game anyway, no matter who the competitor is. It helps me to keep up with the expectations of the audience,” she explained.
Of late Nazneen has been promoting a relatively new sport in Assam – pickleball.
“Pickleball is a fast-spreading sport in Assam. It is spreading rapidly in the US as well as in Asian countries. It is spreading in India as well. This game is simple and convenient. It has no hard and fast rules. It is a mixture of tennis, table tennis, badminton, etc, and can be played by people of all ages. It is a game where a polymer ball is played with a small paddle made of fiber, micro-fiber, and wood. We have brought this game to Assam. We recently demonstrated pickleball in several schools and IAS Colony and got a very good response.”
Pickleball has been launched in 23 states of India. In NCR, Delhi NCR, and Western India, new coaches are coming up and about 10,000 players have registered. An institute named Pickleball World Ranking was launched recently in Dubai.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Munni Begum, Guwahati / August 06th, 2024
Sheikh Fouzia and Sheikh Naziya are two city teenagers who are working hard toward the sports of fencing, a summer Olympics game, to fulfil their dream of one day representing India at the International level.
Fencing is a combat game, also the first sport to be played in Olympics. Based on the traditional skills of swordsmanship, the modern sport arose at the end of the 19th century. Competitive fencing is one of the five activities which have been featured in every modern Olympic Games, the other four being athletics, cycling, swimming, and gymnastics.
Fouzia and Naziya are daughters of an RTC bus driver who has worked hard to make his daughters achieve their dreams. Natives of Nalagonda, the family of five (the girls have a younger brother who is also an active fencing player), have dedicated their lives to playing world-class fencing.
Nineteen-year-old Fouzia and 17-year-old Naziya have been training for the last eight and six years respectively. After getting selected at the district level, they got admission to the prestigious Telangana state Sports School in Hakkimpet, known for its sports coaching.
When Siasat.com asked about their choice, both the girls admitted that they were attracted to the way in which the game was played. The uniform, the sword shifting, the techniques of the game, studying the opponent; all this really got them interested.
When your whole day goes into sports coaching, one can lose track of studies. But for the girls, nothing has changed. In fact, both of them were toppers in their respective tenth class batch, thus balancing the study-sports pendulum.
Our father is a strong man:
Giving full credit to their father, the girls regard him as their biggest inspiration. “Our father wanted to join the Indian defence forces but due to family pressure, he could not. But he is a strong man. He taught us everything to ensure we get admission to the sports school,” said Fouzia.
She goes on to add, “My father faces much criticism from family and our village. Being girls everybody keeps questioning him why are they in such a sport, why is their hair so short, why can’t put them in regular school and then marry them off, all that. But he does not care about anyone’s opinion and does what he thinks is best for us.”
About Fencing:
The traditional game is divided into three parts depending on the speed – Epee, Foil, Sabre.
Epee – The epeeis considered the original dueling sword. The whole body is considered a target.
Foil – The foil evolved from the short court sword of the 17th and 18th centuries. The front and back of the torsos are considered targets.
Sabre- In sabre, the target includes heads, arms and a button. It is the fastest out of the three weapons.
While Fouzia is a foil player, Naziya is an epee player and has competed at the international level.
When asked about her experience in playing international, Naziya said, “It was very difficult. I was scared. There were many big players. I have played Asian Championship at Tashkent where my team fetched a silver medal. I have also participated in World Championship in Dubai where I got 76th rank. I realised I had to work really hard if I need to get a seat at the international level.”
The Biggest Sacrifice:
“Family has been our biggest sacrifice to achieve our dreams,” echoed the girls. “Many a time we want to share our wins and loses with our parents but since they live in the village we cant afford to bring them here. We stay in a hostel. We miss them immensely,” the girls said.
While Fouzia wants to get into the Indian Army or the Air force and represent fencing through them the defence force, Nazyia’s only dream is to fetch an Olympic medal. The hope is that their dreams come true and that fencing, which is relatively unknown in the country, soon becomes a beloved sport.
source: http://www.alhaqeeqa.org / Al Haqeeqa / Home> Education> News> Personalities> Sports / by admin , (headline edited) / May 25th, 2022
