Two youths belonging to South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have won bronze medals in the international martial arts championship in the Philippines.
Owais Yaqoob, 23, a resident of Murran village of Pulwama and Maroof Hilal from Frestbal Pampore have won bronze medals in their categories in the international martial arts championship held from 18-24th July in the Philippines.
A visibly upbeat Owais told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that it was his dream to play at the international level which has come true.
Owais stood third in his weight category among participants from 20 countries.
He said that it was a great experience and exposure gain moment where I have learned several things and will work hard to perform well in upcoming events.
Playing in World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Arnis Invitational Championship 2022 was a great experience and from today I will start preparations for the next championship so that I can perform well and win a gold medal at international level.
He has won 11 gold medals at national level, six silver medals and 17 gold medals at state level and officials at All India Mixed Martial Art Federation declared him as the second best mixed martial art player of India.
Meanwhile, Maroof Hilal Sofi (19) son of Hilal Ahmad Sofi resident of Frestbal area of Pampore town who was selected for International Martial art championship which was played in the Philippines has also managed to bag a bronze medal in his category.
Maroof said that he has been interested in martial arts since childhood and started learning this art at the age of eight years.
“I have participated in different tournaments at state as well as National level and won many medals as well,” he said. “Playing at international level was my dream which has finally come true. I will try to perform better in the coming events at national and international level.”
He said that he was so thankful to Almighty Allah who has bestowed me with an immense reward, he said, adding, he will try again his best to go for gold next time.
Maroof was selected for the international martial art championship on the basis of performance shown at national level. He is also head coach of Thang Ta academy Pampore where he trains youth interested in this art. Maroof has won six gold medals at national level as well.
Maroof has extended gratitude to district administration especially Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Baseer-Ul-Haq and Tehsildar Pampore Zubair Ahmad Bhat for sponsoring him to participate in the International champion—(KNO)