Vipul Sharma bags silver in National School Games
Kupwara: In a remarkable accomplishment for the border sector, two athletes from Keran participated in the 6th National Taekwondo Championship in Odisha, securing Bronze and Silver medals. This marks the first such achievement from their region.
The J&K Taekwondo team emerged victorious, clinching a total of 19 medals at the championship. The team showcased exceptional skill and determination by winning 9 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze medals.
Arslan and Aliya Azmat, natives of the border area in the Keran sector, located in the north of Kashmir’s Kupwara district at an altitude of 8000 ft, brought home the bronze and silver medals, respectively. They were the first representatives from their area to participate in a national event outside the Union Territory.
Aliya shared her experience, saying she competed against participants from Chandigarh and Delhi and won the silver at the national games.
Despite facing defeat in the third fight round against Nagaland, Aliya expressed satisfaction with her performance. She thanked her parents and coach for their unwavering support and emphasised her determination to elevate the names of the valley in general and Keran sector in particular in the field of sports.
Mohammad Arsalan, who secured the bronze at the national championship, told KNO that he faced competitors from Chandigarh and Maharashtra in the first two rounds. Expressing joy and pride, Arsalan said it was his first national game and he managed to secure the bronze.
Both athletes expressed their aspirations to reach new heights in Taekwondo in the future.
Meanwhile, the locals in Keran celebrated the achievements of these athletes. They said there is a need to promote a sports culture in the region to provide more opportunities for youth. Such accomplishments will encourage more youth to engage in sports, they said.
Meanwhile, Vipul Sharma an exceptional Judo athlete, achieved a remarkable feat at the 67th National School Games held in Ludhiana on Tuesday. Sharma competed in the 73 kg weight category and secured the prestigious Silver Medal.
Under the expert guidance of Judo Coach Rajive Kumar, Sharma displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition. The journey to the Silver Medal was no easy feat, but Sharma’s dedication, perseverance, and intensive training paid off, allowing him to excel in his performance.
Upon learning about Sharma’s remarkable achievement, the Director of the Department of Youth Services and Sports J&K Subash Chander Chhibber expressed his heartfelt congratulations and good wishes to the deserving player and his Coach Rajiv Kumar. “This recognition from such a reputable authority serves as a testament to the hard work and commitment put forth by Sharma and the coaching team” he added.
He further said that the National School Games is one of the most prestigious tournaments in which young athletes from across the country showcase their talent every year and compete at the highest level. Sharma’s impressive performance reflects his exceptional skills and potential in the sport of Judo.
Deputy Director Central of YSS Jatinder Mishra while expressing hos joy on the impressive performance of the athlete has said that, Sharma’s outstanding success at the event not only brings pride to his school and coach but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring Judo athletes across the nation. This achievement serves as a reminder of the importance of determination, discipline, and perseverance in pursuing excellence in sports.
