Category Archives: Sports

Lubna Naseer Creates History with First Gold for J&K at National Taekwondo Championship

Churmujroo Village (Beerwah, Budgam), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Photo Credit: X.Com

Budgam/Dehradun :

In a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, Lubna Naseer, a young Taekwondo athlete from Churmujura village in Beerwah, Budgam, has clinched the first-ever gold medal for the Union Territory at the 4th Cadet & Junior National Taekwondo Championship 2025, held in Dehradun, reported the Brighter Kashmir.

Representing the Khelo India Taekwondo Centre under the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, Lubna showcased an exceptional performance, defeating top contenders from Gujarat, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. In the finals, she delivered a clean sweep against Haryana, securing a flawless victory that highlighted her dominance on the national stage.

Lubna’s journey to the top was anything but easy. Battling a recent injury, she continued training under the dedicated mentorship of her coach, Rohit Sharma. Her perseverance and resilience have earned her praise from sports officials and admiration from across the region.

“This gold medal is not just mine—it belongs to my coach, my parents, my school, and the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” Lubna said, dedicating her win to everyone who supported her.

Looking ahead, the young athlete now aims to represent India in the Asian Games, the World Junior Championships, and eventually, the Olympics. Lubna has also appealed for enhanced sports infrastructure in Budgam, urging authorities to invest in the potential of Kashmiri youth.

Her victory not only marks a personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the Valley. Lubna Naseer is now a beacon of hope and pride for Jammu and Kashmir, symbolizing what determination and support can achieve.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 12th, 2025

Mandya Sensation: Nine‑Year‑Old Sarfaraz Ahmad Wins Gold in Thailand Kickboxing

Mandya, KARNATAKA :

Photo Credit: X.Com

Mandya, Karnataka :

Nine‑year‑old Sayyad Sarfaraz Ahmad, hailing from Mandya in Karnataka, clinched the gold medal in the kickboxing category at the 7th International Thai Martial Arts Games, held in Bangkok, Thailand from May 18–22, 2025. His remarkable victory has brought immense pride to his hometown, reported News18.

The young fighter, son of Muhammad Makki and Sheeba, took up kickboxing at the age of three. Trained at Oshukai Martial Arts Academy, he also trained in skating. Sarfaraz has amassed over 60 medals in district, state, and national competitions—more than 35 in skating and over 25 in kickboxing. His recent international gold highlights his extraordinary dedication and rising talent.

At the Bangkok event, Sarfaraz outperformed competitors in his age group with exceptional skill and composure. His win not only brought honor to India but also earned heartfelt gratitude from him toward his family and coaches.

Mandya’s community celebrated the achievement, calling it a source of inspiration for the region’s youth. With discipline, commitment, and flair at such a young age, Sarfaraz aspires to one day compete in major events like the Olympics.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 14th, 2025

Purkazi leader Zaheer Farooqui shows the way to transforming India at grassroots

Purkazi (Muzaffarnagar District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Purkazi, a small town in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, would soon have its first higher secondary School, and students would no longer have to travel to neighbouring towns to pursue studies after the 10th class.

This happened due to the generosity of Zaheer Farooqui, Chairperson of the Nagar Panchayat, who donated his land valued at 1.5 crore for the project.

Farooqui, a peasant leader, and a lawyer, was dismayed to see the young girls and boys traveling in local buses and rickety three-wheelers to higher secondary schools in other towns and he chose to do something about it.

Following the adage Charity begins at home, he gave away his land which is otherwise a prized possession of any farmer or realtor.

Though he always championed the change to improve the lives of people living in this Muslim-dominated town, Farooqui was elected as Chairperson of the Nagar Panchayat in 2017.

As an elected head of the local body, his priority was to improve educational facilities since this is the surest way to improve the lives of common people. He initiated the change in schools; and equipped primary classes in the local government schools with an adequate number of chairs and tables for students and internet-linked smart boards.

His efforts were recognized as the local government school was covered under the Prime Minister Shri School scheme of Narendra Modi under which chosen schools are turned into model schools.

Debunking the common image of a Muslim, he showed keen interest in the upkeep of gaushalas (cow shelters). Till his initiative, the government funds for the establishment of gaushalas often remained unused by most of the Panchayats.

Farooqui-led Panchayat set up what is purported to be the first double-storey government-owned gaushala in India.

The gaushala has separate spaces for calves, pregnant cows, injured, and elderly cows. Its fodder-chopping machine runs on solar power. A veterinary doctor conducts daily health checkups of the animals.

Additionally, the dung produced is converted into manure, and sold to generate income to make gaushala financially viable.

In 2018, Farooqui-led Purkazi Panchayat installed Internet Processing Closed Circuit Television (IP-CCTV) cameras at various locations in the town to combat crime and make locals, especially women, feel safe.

The cameras of the circuit have powerful lenses that can read vehicle license plates. This circuit helped the Muzaffarnagar Police apprehend a man from Uttarakhand, who was identified as rapist of a local six-year-old child.

Zaheer Farooqui (In Blue shirt) with locals at the Women’s Gymnasium at Purkazi

Each camera is equipped with loudspeakers which are used to announce fresh government initiatives, raise alarms in an emergency, and community-related messages.

The Purkazi Panchayat was the first one to open a women-exclusive gymnasium to raise health and fitness awareness among women.

The gymnasium was opened in 2019, and its popularity has proven critics and skeptics, who wondered if the burqa-wearing Muslim women would even venture out there of their homes, wrong.

The gymnasium trainer Shaheen Usmani arrives early morning for work. Once in the woman-only space, she removes her burqa. Usmani says, ‘I cannot explain why, but the gym has significantly enhanced the reproductive health of women in the town.’

Independence Day procession at Suliwala Bagh, Purkazi

The gymnasium has nearly one hundred member

The residents of Purkazi led by Farooqui have transformed Suliwala Bagh (garden of the gallows) into a pilgrimage site. This place was used by the British Army to hand Indian revolutionaries during the First War of Independence in 1857.

On the Independence Day and Republic day, thousands of people congregate in this iconic place and take out a rally in memory of freedom fighters. The locals have been carrying out a procession in which the youth carry the longest-ever tricolour as part of the national commemoration of freedom fighters of India.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories> The Changemakers / by Saquib Salim / June 01st, 2025

11 athletes from Alva’s Foundation chosen to represent India in World University Games

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

All of these athletes represent Mangalore University and are trained under Alva’s Education Foundation’ Sports Adoption Scheme.

Eleven athletes from Alva’s Education Foundation’s Sports Adoption Scheme, representing Mangalore University, have been selected to represent India in the forthcoming World University Games 2025, scheduled to be held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from July 16 to 27.

Foundation president M. Mohan Alva told reporters in Moodbidri on Wednesday that with the selection, the total number of athletes from the foundation participating in the games has risen to 32. He said the selection was a matter of pride for the institution and the State. The athletes were selected during the trials held at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), a deemed-to-be university in Bhubaneswar.

In the men’s category, the selected athletes are Gagan (5,000 meters run), Sachin (20 km walk), Balakrishna (400 meters run) and N. Taufique (decathlon). Those selected in the women’s category are Deekshita Ramakrishna Gowda (400 meters hurdles), Basanti Kumari (half marathon), Manju Yadav (steeplechase), Sindhusree (pole vault), Sakshi Sharma (javelin throw), Jyoti (half marathon) and Shalini (20 km walk).

Dr. Alva said all the selected athletes represent Mangalore University and are trained under Alva’s Sports Adoption Scheme. Each athlete will require a financial outlay of ₹2.5 lakh to participate in the event. While Mangalore University has assured a contribution of ₹75,000 per athlete, the remaining expenses are being borne by the foundation, he added.

source:jhttp://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / May 29th, 2025

Karna Kadur, Musa Sherif top APRC, INRC for a grand double

Kumbla (Kasargod District), KERALA :

Karna Kadur (left) and co-driver Musa Sherif with the Indu Chandhok Memorial South India Rally overall winners’ trophy. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Bengaluru’s reigning National champion Karna Kadur of Arka Motorsports won a round of the FIA-Asia Pacific Rally Championship after three years at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) here on Sunday.

It was a near-flawless drive in the Volkswagen Polo by the 36-year-old Kadur, who was greatly aided by his experienced co-driver Musa Sherif from Kasargod. The duo also clinched the crown in the first round of the Blueband Fmsci Indian National Championship, organised by the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC).

Kadur attributed his success to a judicial blend of caution and aggression. “After a long time, we had a trouble-free run. We had carefully planned our strategy, and it was executed flawlessly. We could have gone faster, but in view of the rising temperature, we had to exercise some caution. A few competitors suffered as they did not back off, and having seen this, I kept something in reserve in case I needed to push hard,” he said.

The results: Provisional final classification: FIA-APRC (Asia Cup): 1. Kadur and Musa Sherif (Arka Motorsports) 2:03:44s; 2. Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Arka) 2:04:35.8; 3. Harkrishan Wadia and Kunal Kashyap (Arka) 2:07:38.5.

Junior APRC: 1. Wadia and Kashyap 2:07:38.5; 2. Arnav Pratap Singh and N. Rohit (SNAP Racing) 2:09:25.9; 3. Abhin Rai and K.M. Moideen Jasheer (Pvt.) 2:10:16.9.

INRC Overall: 1. Kadur and Sherif; 2. Ghosh and Naik; 3. Fabid Ahmer and Milen George (Chettinad Sporting) 2:06:9.5.

INRC1: 1. Kadur and Sherif; 2. Ghosh and Naik; 3. Suhem Kabeer and Vinay Padmashali (Pvt.) 2:12:15.2.

INRC2: 1. Ahmer and George 2:06:9.5; 2. Wadia and Kashyap; 3. Pragathi Gowda and M. Chandramouli (Pvt.) 2:07:23.5.

INRC3: 1. Arnav Pratap Singh and N. Rohit (SNAP Racing) 2:09:25.9; 2. B. Vishak and Chiranth Jain (Chettinad Sporting) 2:09:27.4; 3. Rai and Jasheer (Pvt.) 2:10:16.9.

INRC 3T (Turbo): 1. C. Ramcharan and Vignesh Mahalingam (Falkon Motorsports) 3:15.3; 2. Naveen Puligilla and Santosh Ritchy Thomas (Pvt.) 2:28:34.9; 3. Jeet Jhabhak and V. Sekar (Pvt.) 2:59:9.9.

Women INRC: 1. Tarushi Vikram and Vybhav Mukund Rao (Chettinad Sporting) 2:17:7; 2. Phoebe Nongrum Dale and Nash Ross (Pvt.) 2:20:17.9; 3. Anushriya Gulati and Karan Aukta (Arka) 2:48:58.8.

Junior INRC: 1. Rai and Jasheer (Pvt.) 2:10:16.9; 2. Ajay Shankar and Venu Ramesh Kumar (Falkon) 2:11:47; 3. R.B. Kharbirymbai and C.P. Dhanush (Snap) 2:14:26.1.

Fmsci Gypsy Challenge: 1. Sanjay Agarwal and Dheeraj Manae (Pvt.) 2:22:23; 2. Kariappa Mekerira and Supreeth Sagar (Pvt.) 2:24:49.7; 3. Pankaj Dutt and Jibran Ahmed (Pvt.) 2:33:15.9.

Fmsci Classic Challenge: 1. Pramod Raman and K.V. Dheeraj (Pvt.) 2:21:1; 2. Siddhartha Santhosh and Sawan Satyanarayan (Pvt.) 2:22:13.6; 3. P. Satish P and S. Dinesh (Pvt.) 2:31:54.8.

Lawyer-wrestler Tabassum is embodiment of empowered Kashmiri women

Tujar Sharif Village , JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Advocate Tabassum alias Sibgat in Delh

A remarkable woman from North Kashmir is breaking stereotypes and inspiring change in Kashmir. Advocate Tabassum who prefers to be known as Advocate Sibgat, a lawyer-cum-wrestler, is not just fighting legal battles in the courtroom but also empowering women by educating them about their rights and guiding them toward a brighter future.

Sibgat’s journey has been anything but conventional. She hails from the village Tujar Sharif, close to the apple town of Sopore which was once the hub of terrorism.

Losing her mother at a young age in 2012, she stepped into a leadership role within her family. Despite societal norms that often frown upon step-relations, she urged her father to remarry.

Defying expectations, she and her sibling embraced their stepmother wholeheartedly. “Our society doesn’t easily accept the concept of step-relations. But I insisted and got my father married again. We accepted our stepmother as our own; she did the same for us. I made sure the revolution began at home,” she recalled.

This belief in challenging societal norms shaped her into the woman she is today. Sibgat pursued law to fulfill her late mother’s dream of seeing her in the black coat. Now, as an advocate at the Srinagar High Court, she dedicates her life to making legal awareness accessible to the people, especially women.

“Women in our society have always been kept secondary. They are taught to live under the dominance of their fathers and later their husbands. Why is that so? Women must have control over their own lives and be able to make their own decisions,” says Sibgat. Through her legal practice, she educates and consults women on their rights, encouraging them to stand up for themselves and fight against injustices.

Beyond her legal career, Sibgat is also a national-level arm wrestler, competing in the 75kg and 95kg categories and the winner of several medals in the sports. She was even selected for international competitions but could not participate due to personal and professional commitments. “Paron ko khol zamana udaan dekhta hai, Zameen pe baith ke kya aasmaan dekhta hai?” she says, emphasising the importance of ambition and perseverance.

For a woman from Kashmir, excelling in sports, especially a physically demanding one like arm wrestling, is no small feat. “I was always inclined towards sports, but in my area, it wasn’t easy for women to pursue it. I want to pass on this strength to young girls and encourage them to break barriers,” she stated passionately.

Advocate Tabassum alias Sibgat attending a conference of Women advocates in Delhi

Her commitment to societal well-being extends beyond law and sports. Recognizing the growing influence of digital spaces, Sibgat is spreading cyber awareness.

“Youth is an essential part of our society; they are taking over social media and cyberspace. It is crucial to educate them about cyber laws and digital safety,” she explained.

Advocate Sibgat’s story is one of resilience, determination, and change. Whether in the courtroom, on the wrestling mat, or in society, she continues to fight for justice and empowerment. Her unwavering spirit is a beacon of hope for women in Kashmir and beyond, proving that no societal norm is too rigid to be challenged and no dream too big to be pursued.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Vidushi Gaur, New Delhi / March 24th, 2025

Citizen Convent students shine in sports

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Mysuru:

The students of Citizen Convent, Udayagiri, Mysuru, have made remarkable achievements in State-level Sports and Games Competitions 2024-25 and in the Karnataka State Arm Wrestling Championship 2024-25.

The winners who brought laurels to the school are as follows: Mohammed Maweeya Qureshi — Gold Medal in State-level Wrestling held at Kanakapura and qualifying for the National Championship in New Delhi.

Arzan Khan — Bronze Medal in State-level Weightlifting Competition, held at VJEMHS, Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada.

Mohammed Umar — Bronze Medal in 55-60 kg category at the Karnataka State Arm Wrestling Championship 2024-25, held in Mysuru.

Mohammed Huzaifa, Bronze Medal in 75-kg category at State-level Sports & Games contests for School Children 2024-25, conducted by Department of School Education, Karnataka.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 06th, 2025

Meet six-year-old Zidaan Jamadar: The Young Football Sensation from Belagavi

Belagavi, KARNATAKA :

Belagavi: 

Football is more than just a game for six-year-old Zidaan Jamadar—it’s a dream in the making. At an age when most children are still discovering their interests, Zidaan is already making his mark on the football field, earning recognition for his skill, discipline, and passion for the sport. With an impressive tally of 148 goals across multiple tournaments, the young footballer from Belagavi is proving to be a name to watch in Indian football.

Zidaan’s journey in football is intertwined with his father, Mohammed Siraj Jamadar’s love for the game. Siraj, a businessman, grew up playing football locally but never had the opportunity to pursue it professionally due to the lack of infrastructure and awareness about the sport in India during the 1990s. Watching international football was a challenge back then, with only limited broadcasts available on Doordarshan. It was only with the arrival of cable television that Indian fans got better access to global football leagues. When the Indian Super League (ISL) was launched in 2013, it reignited Siraj’s passion for the sport. The introduction of international players alongside Indian talent gave him hope that football in India would gain the recognition it deserved. He wished for a son who could pursue the dream he had to let go of—and in 2018, Zidaan was born.

Zidaan’s journey in football began in 2022 when he was just three years old. Enrolled at BFC Soccer Schools in Belagavi, he quickly stood out for his enthusiasm and ability to grasp the game’s fundamentals. His first coach, Abhishek Vincent Harry, fondly remembers his early days. “I vividly recall the first time he joined us at just 3.5 years old. While new to the game, his determination and love for football were evident from the beginning. Watching him perform in the Casa Grand BFC Soccer Shield was truly inspiring. I look forward to seeing him don the blue jersey of the Indian national team one day,” Harry shared.

As he grew, Zidaan moved to the Belagavi United Football Academy (BUFA), where he began playing in the Under-7 KSFA Youth League. His coach at BUFA, Nikhil Bhajantri, was immediately impressed by his talent. “From my very first session, I could see he was a natural. At just five years old, he displayed a deep understanding of the game, quick learning ability, and remarkable dribbling skills. In his first KSFA Youth League match against Raman Sports Academy, he scored a hat trick, playing a crucial role in our victory. He’s truly gifted,” Bhajantri said.

Since starting his football journey, Zidaan has consistently delivered outstanding performances in tournaments across the country, playing in under-6, under-7, and under-8 categories organized by KSFA, FC Goa, and Bengaluru FC. His goal-scoring record is remarkable, with 50 goals for Little Gaur in Goa, 8 goals in the Win More Trophy in Bangalore, 3 goals for AFC Belgaum, 4 goals in the Super Cup FC Goa, 9 goals in the GFL Mini League Belagavi, 20 goals in GFL Belagavi, 20 goals in KSFA Bangalore 2023, 42 goals in KSFA Bangalore 2024, and 4 goals in the Casa Grand Soccer Shield 2025.

His performances have not gone unnoticed. AIFF-certified coach Vishal Kamu from the Manas Sports Development Foundation (MSDF) Academy praised the young footballer’s dedication. “From day one, Zidaan stood out. His hunger to learn, his passion for the game, and his ability to take on challenges make him an exceptional player. He’s focused and hardworking, qualities that will take him a long way,” Kamu noted.

Zidaan’s dedication to football has earned him several accolades, including the Most Valuable Player award from FC Goa Little Gaur, GFL Belagavi, and KSFA 2024.

He was also named Best Player of the Tournament at the BFC Soccer Shield 2025.

He currently holds the record for being the highest goal scorer for the Blue Cubs of the All India Football Federation in the Under-6 category and the top scorer in the Karnataka State Football Association.

Even at this young age, Zidaan follows a disciplined lifestyle that supports his game. His father proudly shared, “Zidaan always carries home-cooked food prepared by his mother to practice. Unlike other kids, he stays away from junk food. His focus and discipline are beyond his years, and as a family, we will always stand by him, no matter what.”

Currently competing in the Little Gaur 2024-25 matches in Goa, Zidaan continues to sharpen his skills and set new benchmarks. With his talent, dedication, and the constant support of his family, he is on a promising path to making a mark in Indian football.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / February 18th, 2025

Ilaf Abdul Qadir: 9-Year-Old Martial Arts Prodigy Sets Guinness World Record

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru:

At just nine, Ilaf Abdul Qadir made history by achieving a Guinness World Record for nonstop kata in karate. His remarkable feat took place at the WKMA Open Karate Championship 2025, in Chennai on February 8, where he performed a 30-minute uninterrupted kata, showcasing endurance, discipline, and skill.

A third-grade student at Presidency School, Mangaluru, Qadir proved age is no barrier to excellence. His relentless training earned him both a world record and a gold medal in Kumite. He is the youngest contestant from Dakshina Kannada to compete, setting a benchmark for young athletes.

Born to Mohammed Musthafa and Asiya Juveria, Qadir’s success stems from rigorous training and commitment. He hones his skills under trainers Nadeem and Zakiya Yasmeen from the SHORIN RYU KARATE ASSOCIATION, Moodbidri. Their mentorship and his determination shaped him into an exceptional athlete.

Expressing gratitude, Qadir credited his coaches, parents, and school. “It was tough, but I wanted to push myself and prove hard work makes anything possible,” he said. His record-setting performance demanded stamina, precision, and mental strength, which he displayed effortlessly.

Qadir’s success brings pride to his family and inspires young martial artists. His journey proves determination, discipline, and guidance turn dreams into reality. Aspiring to compete internationally, he aims to bring more laurels to India.

With his name in the Guinness World Records, Ilaf Abdul Qadir stands as an inspiration for young athletes, proving that hard work leads to greatness.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / February 16th, 2025

Grab a stick, take the turf: How one man’s passion is transforming Assam’s Barak Valley

Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj), (Barak Valley District) , ASSAM :

Government worker and volleyball player Mohammed Emad Uddin has brought hockey into lives of people in a border district in Assam, motivating children to hone their skills and go on to represent their state & nation in the sport, Prasanta Mazumdar writes.

Only five years ago, the residents of Sribhumi had little notion of hockey. And it would have remained that way, if not for the persistent efforts of a government employee who has sparked a ‘hockey revolution’ in the remote Barak Valley district in Assam, situated on the Bangladesh border.

Now, nearly 500 children across the region wield the stick as they take to the pitch, determined to hone their skills and elevate their game.

Mohammed Emad Uddin, an employee of National Health Mission (NHM) in Assam has made it his mission to spread the game to the nooks and crannies of Sribhumi, formerly known as Karimganj. A passionate advocate of hockey, Emad introduced locals to the fundamentals of the sport.

There is an interesting story behind the propagation of the sport in Sribhumi. A press club wanted to make its tenth anniversary celebration memorable. So, they approached Emad, a volleyball player and sports enthusiast.

“The Badarpur Press Club completed ten years in 2020 and wanted to celebrate the occasion in a unique way by organising a hockey tournament. The club members proposed that I constitute the ‘Karimganj XI’ team. Four teams – Cachar District Sports Association, Hailakandi District Sports Association, Badarpur Press Club and Karimganj XI took part in the tournament. While hockey has been played in Cachar and Hailakandi for long, nobody in Karimganj had played it before,” Emad says.

Sribhumi, Hailakandi and Cachar are the three districts of southern Assam’s Barak Valley. Bengalis, both Hindu and Muslim, constitute the majority in this region.

After the hockey tourney, Emad fell in love with the game. He not only started playing, he also began promoting the sport. He moved around from one place to another within the district, motivating children to play the game.

He visited a number of schools in the area to convince teachers to include hockey in their sports disciplines. Many schools responded positively. Soon, Karimganj Hockey Association was formed, followed by its affiliation with Assam Hockey in 2021. Sahirul Islam Bokul was its founder president.

“An estimated 500 school and college students now play the game in our district. Around 100 of them play it regularly. Most of them are from an academy named Bright Future Institute. It earlier had several sports disciplines but not hockey. We introduced it here,” Emad says, a glint in his eyes.

Some time ago, three hockey players from the Sribhumi district underwent a 14-day training in Guwahati where players were being selected for the state team. Three others from the district also underwent an umpire training course in Nagaon to broaden their horizon.

“Recently, our players took part in a tournament in Charaideo. They also play in inter-district events,” says the NHM employee who once led the district team at a tournament in Cachar.

On January 12 last year, Karimganj Hockey Association organised a tournament with children from seven schools in Malua area of the district. Recalling the event, Emad says there was much enthusiasm among locals.

“Various schools are associated with us. We coach their children when they practice at their school grounds. Sometimes, we hire coaches to impart training. The schoolchildren in our district have developed a keen interest in hockey but we cannot give them as much time as we want as they are often required to sit for their exams. We also have a girls’ team but it is as active as the boys,” Emad says, lamenting the challenges that impede his mission.

In the absence of sponsors, he and members of the Karimganj Hockey Association contribute regularly to ensure that the ‘hockey wave’ continues in the district. Sometimes, help comes from friends and well-wishers. Once, Assam Hockey provided them with some kits.

“We need a dedicated hockey ground. Assam Hockey secretary Tapan Das once visited Sribhumi. He was happy to see the hockey craze,” Emad says.

“We are getting a good response from schools and parents. However, its hasn’t been easy. In a region where there is much greater enthusiasm over cricket, people feel hockey does not have a future. So, teachers and parents were not totally convinced initially. It took an effort to make them believe hockey, too, has a future,” Emad says.

He further says, he and his friends, Salim Ahmed and Taz Uddin, from Karimganj Hockey Association, gained a lot of experience by watching live matches of the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup in Odisha.

Emad has been also instrumental in introducing sepak takraw (foot volleyball) in the district but his focus remains hockey. “It feels good when you can do something for children. My goal is to make sure hockey players from our district represent Assam and India someday and make us proud,” he says.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prasanta Mazumdar / February 16th, 2025