Category Archives: Sports

Winds of change: Stories of quiet revolution in Jammu & Kashmir

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Leaders, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Changemakers of Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar :

In a land shaped by upheaval—where countless dreams were long overshadowed in remote corners—a silent revolution is underway. Far from the spotlight, a group of remarkable individuals is reshaping the social fabric of Kashmir. They are quietly overcoming obstacles, challenging norms, and inspiring countless others with their unwavering commitment to progress.

Sakeena Akhtar

Sakeena Akhtar is a trailblazer who has shattered deep-rooted gender norms in Kashmir, where women in sports—particularly cricket—have historically faced stigma and exclusion. From being the only girl playing cricket in the narrow lanes of Munawarabad to becoming India’s first female National Cricket Coach from Jammu and Kashmir, her journey is a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and transformation.

Seerat Tariq

At just 19, Seerat Tariq has turned her personal journey of artistic expression into a movement for empowerment and cultural revival. With national records and international accolades to her name, she uses her platform to amplify the voices of others—especially young women in conflict zones—helping them discover their strength and creativity through art.

Shabnam Kausar

In a conflict-ridden region, Shabnam Kausar stands as a beacon of purpose-driven leadership. Starting with just four students and no infrastructure, she transformed the Army Goodwill School in Bandipora into a nationally recognized educational institution. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of education, vision, and resilience.

Suhail Saeed Lone

Born in Bandipora and scarred by the violence of militancy, Suhail Saeed Lone could have succumbed to disillusionment. Instead, he channeled his trauma into storytelling through cinema. Now working in Mumbai’s film industry, he uses the medium to share narratives of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, turning pain into powerful, purposeful expression.

Sarwar Bulbul

Sarwar Bulbul is preserving and redefining Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural legacy through the timeless medium of music. As a celebrated Naat Khwan and founder of the Bulbul Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA) in rural Rafabad, he mentors underprivileged youth in Kashmiri classical, Sufi, and devotional music—ensuring that age-old traditions are passed on with reverence and relevance.

Irtiqa Ayoub

Irtiqa Ayoub is changing the game—literally—for women in Kashmir. As the region’s youngest Rugby Development Officer, she challenges patriarchal norms in a male-dominated sport. Her work promotes empowerment, equality, and confidence among young women, showing that sports can be a powerful platform for social change.

Anissa Nabi

Anissa Nabi seamlessly fuses public service with personal passion. As a JKAS officer and Chief Sports Officer, she champions grassroots sports development across Jammu and Kashmir. A marathoner and fitness advocate, she founded the Wondrous Women community and serves as an ambassador for the Fit India Movement—proving that leadership thrives on action, inclusivity, and inspiration.

Ghulam Nabi Tantray

Ghulam has launched educational institutions such as a B.Ed. college in Bandipora and the Doon International School in Jammu to mentoring rising sports stars like Tajamul Islam, Ghulam Nabi Tantray has made community empowerment his life’s mission. In times of crisis, he has stepped up with compassion and aid. Despite accolades at the national and international levels, he remains deeply rooted in his community—proving that true leadership begins with purpose, not position.

Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabadi

Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabadi has dedicated his life to transforming society through education and compassion. In an environment where girls’ education was often discouraged, he visited homes personally to shift mindsets and advocate for equality. As a teacher and founder of a charitable trust, he has provided free education and resources to countless underprivileged children—regardless of religion or background—promoting communal harmony and opportunity.

Wajahat Farooq Bhat

Once a stone-pelting teenager driven by rage and radical ideologies, Wajahat Farooq Bhat’s life took a transformative turn after an unexpected encounter with SSP Imtiyaz Hussain in Baramulla in 2018. As a young man from Sheeri village near Baramulla, Wajahat grew up amid narratives of jihad, revenge, and martyrdom, reinforced by mosque sermons and community glorification of violence. However, a deeply personal moment, witnessing the hypocrisy of a local cleric, and later, a heart-to-heart with the soft-spoken SSP during his NCC stint, triggered his awakening. Imtiyaz’s message. Today, he leads Jammu and Kashmir Save Youth Save Future, a grassroots organisation that has helped deradicalise over 3,000 Kashmiri youth. Wajahat aspires to take his mission global, to inspire hope where despair once reigned.

These changemakers may not often make headlines, but their impact is undeniable. Through courage, creativity, and conviction, they are not only rewriting narratives in Kashmir but also illuminating a path for others to follow. Their stories are a reminder that even in the most challenging environments, transformation is possible—quietly, steadily, and powerfully. In the days to come Awaz-The Voice will bring their detailed stories for our readers.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV, posted by Aasha Khosa / June 22nd, 2025

Muslims who dominated headlines in 2021

Amazing Feats, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

Danish Siddiqui in Afghanistan

As the year draws to an end, we have compiled a brief list of the Indian Muslims who have been in news during 2021.

Danish Siddiqui :

Danish Siddiqui was a Pulitzer Award winning photojournalist from New Delhi, who was killed by Taliban while covering the war in Afghanistan. An alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, Siddiqui was one of the country’s most well known photographers who documented the Rohingya refugee crisis, Covid deaths and the Delhi riots to win several awards. In July 2021, Reuters assigned him documentation of the Afghanistan War as an embedded journalist with Afghan Special Forces. On July 16, Siddiqui was killed in action. Governments of India, USA, Afghanistan and United Nations expressed grief and shock on his death and thousands joined his funeral procession in DelhI.

Dr Shahid Jameel :

Dr. Shahid Jameel is a world renowned virologist and is one of the leaders of India’s fight against Covid-19. The Covid-19 outbreak has thrown new challenges to the scientific community. When the Government of India set up an Indian Sars-Cov-2 Genomics Sequencing Consortium (INSACOG), which consists of 38 laboratories to monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2, Jameel was appointed as the head of its scientific advisory group. He served the INSACOG in this position till May, 2021 and still advises different government and non-government bodies in strategising the war against Covid-19. 

Coach Naseem Ahmed with Olympian Neeraj Chopra

Naseem Ahmed :

Naseem Ahmed: On 7 August, 2021, Neeraj Chopra threw Javelin for 87.58 mts. and became the first Indian to win an Olympic Gold in track and field events. With this success, Naseem Ahmed of Panchkula also hit the headlines. Ahmed was his first coach, who coached Chopra for almost six years at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula. It was under his guidance that Chopra turned into an athlete from a chubby child. After returning to India, Chopra went to meet and receive blessings from his coach.

Mohammad Shareef alias Shareef Chacha receiving Padma Shri from President Ran Nath Kovind

Mohammad Shareef :

Mohammad Shareef is a bicycle mechanic from Faizabad, Ayodhya and hit the news headlines this year for receiving Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, from the President Ram Nath Kovind. In 1992, his son was murdered and was eaten by animals as nobody claimed it. This incident moved him so much that he took it upon himself to perform the last rights of unclaimed dead bodies. In the last 28 years, he has performed the last rights of more than 25,000 unclaimed dead bodies according to their religions.

Firoz Alam as an IPS officer (Left) and as a Constable of the Delhi Police (Right)

Firoz Alam :

Firoz Alam’s story is straight out of a fiction, where his character bears resemblance to those played on screen by several film stars. Alam, a resident of Hapur in U.P, was a constable with Delhi Police since 2010. In 2014, he started preparing for UPSC CSE. The work pressure and family responsibilities did not allow him to devote full time to the studies, like many availing coachings could do. After five unsuccessful attempts, in his sixth attempt he qualified UPSC CSE and joined as an IPS officer. His inspiring journey from a constable to IPS had taken the nation by a storm when he joined the training after leaving the job as constable.

Sadaf Choudhary 

Sadaf Choudhary :

Sadaf Choudhary came into limelight when the UPSC CSE results were declared in September and she secured 23rd rank. She was the highest rank holder among Muslims this year and will become an IAS officer. It must be kept in mind that since independence only 179 Muslims have secured ranks to get IAS allotted to them.

Mohammed Siraj praying at the gave of his father

Mohammed Siraj :

Mohammed Siraj is an Indian cricketer from Hyderabad who made it to the headlines in January by becoming the highest wicket taker from India during the India – Australia Test Match Series in Australia. To claim his 13 scalps, he played only three of the four tests in the series. The fact that his father had died just before the series and he was given an option to return to the country, which he declined citing his commitment to the nation made it even more special.

In the last test match at Brisbane, he bagged five Australian wickets to script a historic win and became a national hero. The headlines of the sports column were filled with his heroics, commitment and ability. Since then he has been a regular feature of the Indian Cricket team as a pacer. 

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Saquib Salim / December 30th, 2021

Ultra-runner Sufiya Sufi sets record of Leh-Manali run in 98 hours

Amazing Feats, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ajmer, RAJASHTAN :

Ullta Runner Sufiya Sufi

New Delhi :

Indian ultra-distance runner Sufiya Sufi, 38, from Ajmer, Rajasthan, has officially received her Guinness World Record certificate for completing the formidable Manali–Leh high-altitude run in 98 hours and 27 minutes, a feat no woman in the world has accomplished before.

The record, formally approved by Guinness World Records in 2023, spans nearly 480 kilometres across some of the most treacherous terrain in the Himalayas. The route crosses five high mountain passes, involves a cumulative elevation gain of over 8,500 metres, and exposes runners to freezing temperatures and dangerously low oxygen levels. The challenge is widely regarded as one of the toughest endurance runs on the planet.

Although the achievement was validated in 2023, the physical certificate reached Sufi only in early 2026, following prolonged delays related to international delivery logistics and customs clearance. Once the certificate arrived, her accomplishment drew renewed admiration from the global running community, sponsors, and the wider public. Supporters celebrated the milestone as another defining moment in an already extraordinary athletic journey.

Sufiya Sufi on Manali-Leh run

Sufiya Sufi’s record-setting run on the Manali–Leh route represents a remarkable benchmark in endurance sports. The challenge begins in Manali, a Himalayan hill town in Himachal Pradesh, and winds its way through rugged, unforgiving landscapes before culminating in Leh, Ladakh. Along the way, runners cross legendary high-altitude passes such as Rohtang Pass and Tanglang La, where temperatures often plunge well below zero and oxygen levels drop dramatically.

At such extreme altitudes, even the most experienced athletes struggle to breathe, recover, and maintain pace. Completing this journey on foot in under 100 hours is considered exceptional. By finishing in 98 hours and 27 minutes, Sufi not only met the challenge but surpassed it, becoming the fastest woman ever* to traverse this Himalayan stretch on foot.

Despite the physical run being completed and officially recognised in 2023, the nearly two-year delay in receiving the certificate became a story in itself. Sufi later spoke about the delay publicly, addressing it with humour and gratitude rather than frustration.

In a post on the social media platform *X*, she described her accomplishment as the fastest-ever run from Manali to Leh across all five high passes. She also expressed heartfelt thanks to her sponsors, support crew, and well-wishers who stood by her throughout months of preparation and recovery. Members of the running community and followers on social media responded with admiration, highlighting the sheer brutality of the terrain and the mental toughness required to succeed.

Sufiya Sufi’s journey is as compelling as the record itself. Born in *1987 in Ajmer, she spent nearly 10 years working in the aviation industry. Running initially entered her life as a way to stay fit and break free from the monotony of a demanding job. Over time, what began as a fitness routine evolved into a deep passion for endurance sports, eventually redefining her professional and personal identity.

Her rise as an ultra-runner has been marked by a series of achievements. In 2018, she earned her first Guinness World Record for running the most marathons by a woman in a single calendar year*. This milestone established her as a serious force in long-distance running.

She went on to complete the Kashmir to Kanyakumari run, covering approximately 4,000 kilometres in 87 days, another Guinness-certified feat. Shortly thereafter, she conquered the Golden Quadrilateral, a 6,002-kilometre route linking India’s major highways, in just 110 days, securing yet another world record.

Sufiya Sufi’s journey is as compelling as the record itself. Born in *1987 in Ajmer, she spent nearly 10 years working in the aviation industry. Running initially entered her life as a way to stay fit and break free from the monotony of a demanding job. Over time, what began as a fitness routine evolved into a deep passion for endurance sports, eventually redefining her professional and personal identity.

Her rise as an ultra-runner has been marked by a series of achievements. In 2018, she earned her first Guinness World Record for running the most marathons by a woman in a single calendar year*. This milestone established her as a serious force in long-distance running.

She went on to complete the Kashmir to Kanyakumari run, covering approximately 4,000 kilometres in 87 days, another Guinness-certified feat. Shortly thereafter, she conquered the Golden Quadrilateral, a 6,002-kilometre route linking India’s major highways, in just 110 days, securing yet another world record.

Each of these runs required not only exceptional physical endurance but also rigorous mental conditioning, logistical planning, and resilience. Sufi has often credited her family for their unwavering support, especially her partner, who frequently serves as part of her on-ground support crew.

 She has spoken about the challenges of acclimatising to high altitudes, training in extreme conditions, and preparing her body for prolonged exposure to thin air and severe cold.

Sufi’s expanding list of accomplishments has drawn the attention of corporate partners as well. In October 2024, Hindustan Zinc Limited appointed her as a brand ambassador, reflecting growing corporate confidence in her ability to inspire communities and promote fitness as a sustainable lifestyle choice.

Looking beyond national records, Sufi has set her sights on even larger international goals. According to previous interviews and public statements, she plans to undertake a “Run Around the Globe” expedition, covering tens of thousands of kilometres across multiple continents. She envisions the project not merely as an athletic challenge, but as a global mission promoting *Humanity, Oneness, Peace, and Equality, collectively referred to as HOPE.

Sufiya Sufi’s journey stands as a powerful testament to human resilience, courage, and the transformative power of unwavering determination. Her transition from a stable career in aviation to pushing the limits of endurance in the harshest Himalayan conditions reflects a profound belief in personal growth and self-discovery.

In a world often dominated by narratives of division and despair, her story offers a rare and uplifting reminder of what is possible through perseverance, discipline, and purpose. Her achievements celebrate not only athletic excellence, but also the boundless potential of the human spirit.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa / February 03rd, 2026

Zahoor Lone-led Team India wins bronze in world snow sculpting championship

Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

JAMMU & KASHMIR / INDIA :

Team India -Zahoor Ahmed Lone, Suhail Mohammad Khan, Mridul Upadhyay with their snow sculpture

New Delhi :

For a second time, Team India has won a bronze medal and the People’s Choice Award in the international snow sculpture championship held in Colorado, USA.

The Indian team was led by the Kashmir-born Zahoor Ahmed Lone and comprised Suhail Mohammad Khan, Mridul Upadhyay, and Matt Seeley (USA).

While Lone belongs to Singhpora Pattan, Baramulla, Khan is a specially-abled person and also belongs to Kashmir.

The organisers of the International Snow Sculpture Championship shared this visual of the competition on their website:

Breaking psychological barriers about India being a “hot country” and unfit for snow sports or arts, young Indians from “snow states” and others are gradually leaving their mark on snow art. Snow art has been associated with affluent First World Western European, Scandinavian & North American countries.

Team India’s 16 ft tall piece, “Corn: The Ultimate Domesticator — Who is truly in control?”, reimagines human history with humour and depth.

It’s inspired by Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens. The artists explored the idea that while humans believe they domesticated corn, perhaps corn—or crops—have been domesticating us, shaping our agriculture, diets, and landscapes for centuries.

The venue of the International Sculpting Championship

The sculpture invited audiences to reflect on the relationship between nature and humanity, sparking both curiosity and laughter among visitors and judges alike

The four-member Indian team, led by Suhail Mohammad Khan, worked tirelessly for four days in freezing temperatures ranging from -25°C to -35°C.

This marks Team Snow India becoming the first South Asian country to participate and win, a second time, an international medal in snow sculpting.

“Winning both the jury’s and the people’s awards is truly special. Every flake of snow here tells a story—of teamwork, passion, and India’s creative spirit,” said Mridul Upadhyay from Team Snow India, told the media.

Zahoor Ahmad Lone said that despite the challenging weather conditions and time constraints, Team India’s sculpture impressed the judges and spectators alike with its elegance and precision.  The 5-judge panel took more than 6 hours to evaluate 12 snow sculptures.

India ranked third, while Korea secured first and Mongolia second, amongst teams like the US, Finland, Canada, Argentina, and Turkey.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian snow sculpting, showcasing the country’s talent and creativity globally.

The competition, held in Breckenridge, Colorado, featured 12 teams from around the world, including the US, Germany, Mexico, Finland, Canada, Mongolia, South Korea, Argentina, and Turkey.

Teams from Argentina, Germany, Finland, India, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, Ukraine, USA – Breckenridge, and USA – Vermont participated in the championship.

The first prize – a gold – was won by Team Republic of Korea for their work “Beauty Beyond Difference: Harmony of Coexistence”.

Team Magnolia won a Silver for “Lassoing Time”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa / February 01st, 2026

Al Kareem School excel in zonal tournaments

Karnataka (under research project), Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Throwball team:

Tanziya,  Faqhiya, Aneesa, Tasmiya Fathima, Fathima Zoya,  Sumiya Banu, Zoya Jan, Amreen Taj,  Ameena, Farheen Taj, Aliya Fathima, Zoya Sultana and  Sakeena Hooriya.

Ball Badminton team: 

Shabreen, Hajira, Fathima Zoya, Aliya Fathima, Farheen Taj, Noorain, Anam Fathima,  Sumiya Banu, Tasmiya Fathima, and Tanziya Banu.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / January 13th, 2026

Hyderabad’s Special Kids Kick Their Way to Glory!

Amazing Feats, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad:

They cannot hear the cheers of the crowd, nor can they speak to express their excitement. But at the Raigad Global Cup Taekwondo Championship 2026, their actions spoke louder than any words.

Four students from Hyderabad’s ‘Ideal School for the Disabled’ have become the talk of the town after bagging Gold Medals and proving that physical challenges are no match for nerves of steel.

In a sport like Taekwondo, where split-second cues and coaches’ shouts are vital, these four youngsters – Muhammad Abrar (Class 7), Sd Maaz (Class 6), Ayaan (Class 7), and Sayyida Nurjahan (Class 9) – played a different game.

Since they couldn’t hear the referee or their coach, they trained themselves to read the “body language” of their opponents. By watching the eyes and the slight movement of the feet, they predicted attacks and countered with lightning speed. Their focus was so intense that even the loudest cheers in the stadium couldn’t distract them.

The Ideal School, which provides free education and medical aid to hearing-impaired and mentally challenged children, was buzzing with joy. School Secretary Naveed-ur-Rahman and IICD Chairman Dr. Mubashir Ahmed expressed immense pride in the students’ success.

“We aim to show the world that these children are second to none,” the School Secretary noted, visibly moved by the achievement. “Our mission is to find the hidden star in every child.”

Trained by their dedicated coach, Mr. Irfan, the golden quartet has now qualified for the International Championship.

“Disability is only in the body, not in the spirit,” says Coach Irfan. “These kids from Hyderabad have worked harder than anyone I know. I am confident they will make India proud on the global stage next.”

From the streets of Hyderabad to the podium in Karjat, the journey of Abrar, Maaz, Ayaan, and Nurjahan is a reminder that when you have the will to win, silence isn’t a weakness; it’s your greatest strength.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Sports / by Muhammad Mujahid / January 14th, 2026

Entrepreneur Aahil Ayaz on his pickleball project

Karnataka (under research project), Sports

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

A glimpse into how Aahil Ayaz channelled his experiences in tennis and pickleball to start a business

At an age when most youngsters are busy with studies and video games, 17-year-old Aahil Ayaz has chartered a new course to merge his sporting talent with business.

Ayaz began his journey as a successful tennis player at 15, and won the gold in the world pickleball championship India series held recently. 

He was not only a semifinalist at the ITF Under-18 Tennis Championship, but also represented Karnataka in the national pickleball tournament, before transitioning to coaching. He recognised the potential for pickleball and saw an opportunity to combine his passion with promotion of this emerging sport.

He founded Stryde Sports to make pickleball a community event in all corners of Bengaluru.

At Stryde Sports, Ayaz not only organised pickleball events, but also offered coaching services and his efforts found support from the World Pickleball Association.

Talking about his foray into the business side of sports, Aahil says, ”I noticed pickleball’s fast growth and a gap in quality events for its community. I wanted to bridge that gap and that is how Stryde Sports started. The idea was simple: create high-quality, community-driven tournaments that elevate the experience for players.”

While many may see their lack of experience as a deterrent, Aahil says he always believed age was never a defining factor for anything. “Coming from a sports background, discipline and competition were already part of my mindset. I realised early on that I wanted to build something that created opportunities for others too. That drive pushed me to start young and keep executing instead of waiting for the right time.”

“Sports taught me discipline, focus, and resilience — qualities that shaped how I approach business today. Coaching tennis and mentoring over 100 students, helped me see the bigger picture of leadership, teamwork, and impact beyond personal performance.”

And while all this may seem quite overwhelming for most, let alone a teenager, Aahil says this is just the beginning. “We are building a platform where young founders can pitch their ideas where successful entrepreneurs invest, mentor, and back new visionaries. Talent is everywhere; it just needs the right stage. This isn’t a project. It’s a movement.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Kalyan Ashok / December 25th, 2025

Int’l Success for Son of Welder: Abdullah Wins Bronze for India at World School Volleyball Championship

Sports, , ,

Mandaur Village (near Prayagraj), UTTAR PRADESH :

Raipur:

Abdullah, a talented mid-blocker from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre (STC), Raipur, has brought pride to the nation by winning a bronze medal representing India at the Under-15 World School Volleyball Championship, held at Shangluo, China, from 4 to 13 December 2025.

A residential trainee at STC Raipur for the past two years, Abdullah has shown steady growth and consistency at the international level. Earlier in July 2025, he was a key member of the Indian team that secured a bronze medal at the Under-16 Asian Volleyball Championship held in Thailand.

Coming from a humble background, Abdullah is the son of a welder, Mohammed Raju. Expressing overwhelming happiness on his son’s international success, his father said, “Hum poori mehnat karenge, Abdullah bas tum desh ke liye khelo. STC Raipur mein mere bete ko jo training mili, usne uske talent ko tarasha aur aaj usne desh ke liye medal jeeta.”

Abdullah began playing volleyball at his birthplace Mandaur, a small village near Prayagraj, known for its strong volleyball culture. Observing his natural ability, a well-wisher from the village advised his family to provide him with professional training. This guidance led to Abdullah’s induction into SAI Training Centre, Raipur in 2023, where structured coaching and continuous support from SAI helped him develop into an international-level player.

Following his recent achievements, Abdullah has now been selected for the Under-17 World Volleyball Championship, scheduled to be held in Thailand in 2026. With focused preparation and team effort, he aims to help India improve upon previous performances and compete for the gold medal.

Abhishek Singh Chauhan (ITS), Regional Director, SAI RC Bhopal, expressed happiness over Abdullah’s achievement and appreciated the collective efforts of the coaches and support staff for nurturing international-level talent at the centre. He highlighted that athletes from SAI Training Centres (STCs), along with those from SAI National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), are delivering remarkable international results, which is a very positive sign for the future of sports in India.

Ms. Garima Chaudhary (Olympian & Deputy Director), Centre In-charge, SAI Training Centre Raipur, also congratulated Abdullah on his commendable achievement and wished him continued success in his sporting career.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Sports / by Sahar Khan / December 14th, 2025

Another weekend, another pole for Indian racer Atiqa Mir

NRI's / PIO's, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , ,

Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR / Dubai, U.A.E :

Atiqa Mir

Abu Dhabi :

Formula 1 Academy-backed Indian racer Atiqa Mir showed scorching speed for her second pole position in as many weeks before picking up a Heat win in Round 2 of the RMC UAE Karting Championship here.

After a pole and podium finish in the Formula 1-backed COTFA series last week, Atiqa switched seamlessly into different equipment to set a blistering pace at the Al Forsan Circuit. She is the first Indian to be supported by Formula 1.

In the Official Practice sessions, Atiqa topped three out of the four sessions and clocked the fastest time of the day in a highly competitive field of international drivers. She was the only female.

Dubai: Indian racer Atiqa Mir during round one of IAME UAE Karting Championship, in Dubai. (PTI Photo)

Atiqa, who turned 11 last week, carried that form into qualifying, clinching pole position in the dying minutes of the session with a sizzling time of 60.686 seconds.

Representing Akcel GP, she led from the front in the Heat race for a deserving victory. She lost the lead briefly on Lap 1 before regaining it soon after and pulling away from the field of 18 drivers.

In the pre-final race, Atiqa suffered a big crash while fighting for the lead on the last lap, injuring her elbow.

Her determination and fighting spirit came to the fore when she drove the final lap with the injury and a broken kart. After making up five places on the opening lap, Atiqa’s kart developed a technical problem, forcing an early retirement.

”What could have been a dominant weekend ended back in the pits. But that is racing, we are racing so close to each other at such high speeds that crashes are bound to happen.

“I got a hard hit on my elbow, and it is bruised quite badly. I wanted to fight and get back to the front in the final, but it wasn’t meant to be as my panel broke and due to that I couldn’t drive,” said Atiqa.

Her father and former Formula Asia Vice Champion Asif Mir said luck was not on her daughter’s side this weekend, but at the same time, he called the collision part of racing.

“A dominant show by her, a slight touch with another kart changed her entire weekend. She deserved a better result, but that is how it goes sometimes in sport. She is driving at a high level week in and week out in different karting championships.

“She has to switch engines, tyres almost every weekend, and she can adjust well,” said Asif.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Sports / by PTI / November 18th, 2025

After Paris heartbreak, Nikhat Zareen roars back with World Boxing Cup Finals gold

Amazing Feats, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Nikhat clinched the women’s 51 kg gold medal at the 2025 World Boxing Cup Finals in Greater Noida.

Nikhat Zareen clinched the 51 Kg gold medal at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025. (Photo Credits: The Bridge)

Greater Noida:

Star Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen has once again captured headlines after winning the gold medal at the 2025 World Boxing Cup Finals on Thursday.

The two-time World Champion delivered a commanding 5–0 victory over Guo Yi-xuan of Chinese Taipei in the women’s 51 kg final, returning to the top of the podium after 32 months.

Her last gold also came on home soil in 2023, when she clinched her second world title at the New Delhi World Championships.

“I always believe in manifestation, so I manifested that this time also, in India, I would repeat that. It’s always a pleasure to play in front of a home crowd, and today I did it,” Nikhat Zareen told the media after her win.

Bouncing back from two consecutive setbacks

Nikhat endured a difficult run in her last two major tournaments, the Paris Olympics and the World Boxing Championships, returning empty-handed from both.

At the Paris Games, competing as the reigning World Champion, she exited in the Round of 16 against eventual champion Wu Yu of China.

Later, at the 2025 World Championships in Liverpool, her first international event of the year, she fell in the quarterfinals to Turkiye’s Buse Naz Cakıroğlu.

Now, she has turned back the clock, returning to winning ways in front of her home crowd and putting behind her the disappointment of missing out on key medals.

“This medal is a big boost for my confidence. After a long time, I reached the final and won the gold. I’m very happy that I can once again compete as a gold medal contender,” Nikhat said, relieved to end her medal drought.

Nikhat also mentioned that she had very little time after the World Championships to prepare for this event. Within days, she shifted to Patiala to join the training camp.

“I spent a few days with my family, but then moved to Patiala for training since the Finals were in India and I didn’t want to disappoint fans. In Patiala, I sparred with boxers across weight categories, from 48 kg to 54 kg and even 57 kg, which helped me a lot,” she added.

Nikhat’s Road to the title

The World Cup Finals, expected to be a top-tier competition with the world’s best eight players in each weight category, did not fully live up to expectations as several major nations skipped the event.

In the women’s 51 kg category, only five boxers participated, which meant Nikhat received a bye in the quarterfinals and secured a medal without stepping into the ring.

Her campaign began in the semifinals against Uzbekistan’s Gulsevar Ganieva, where she won by unanimous decision to enter the final.

However, it wasn’t her most convincing bout, marked by frequent clinches and several clumsy falls near the ropes.

“The first bout was not as good as everyone expected, but I’m happy that I at least won and reached the final after so long,” Nikhat said after the semifinal.

In the final against Guo Yi-xuan, Nikhat looked much more composed, displaying sharper footwork and cleaner punches to seal the title at home.

“Today, I played against a boxer who moves a lot and is a counter-puncher. So I also opted for counter boxing instead of going all-out, which could have disadvantaged me,” Nikhat explained.

Future Plans

Nikhat shared that she often has to travel for training because there is no proper boxing academy near her home, something she now hopes to build herself for upcoming talent from Telangana.

“I mostly have to travel to Pune or IIS for training and don’t have a fixed location. So if the Telangana government allocates land, I will build my own academy where I can train and support rising boxers from the region,” she said.

This win may not carry immense competitive weight due to the limited field, but it has undoubtedly reignited her confidence after a challenging year.

With a packed 2026 season ahead, including major events like the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, Nikhat will aim to use this momentum to elevate her performance further.

Her parting words, “This is just the start, and a lot more has to be done,” reflect the grit and hunger she will need as she prepares to face stronger opponents on the global stage.

source: http://www.thebridge.in / The Bridge / Home> Boxing / by Deepanshu Jain / November 21st, 2025