Srinagar: Ahmed Taha Masoody, a young martial artist from Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital, Srinagar, has brought pride to India by clinching a bronze medal at the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship. The competition, held from December 18 to 22, at Abu Dhabi’s Sports City ADNEC Centre, featured 1,100 athletes from 55 countries.
For Ahmed Taha Masoody, the competition proved life-changing. “This medal is a dream come true,” he said, expressing gratitude to his family and coach for their continual support. “Without them, it would not have been feasible. Iqbal Sir has helped me along the way.”
Young athletes like Masoody have benefited greatly from the guidance of coach Muhammad Iqbal of the Pencak Silat Federation of India. “Taha has an impressive history. Today's feat comes following his dominant performance in November when he secured four gold medals in two national-level championships," Iqbal said.
He further stated, “In recent years, several boys and girls from Jammu and Kashmir have brought laurels for the country. Kashmir is becoming a sports hub now and all credit goes to the hard work of the players and also improved infrastructure in the region.”
Significantly, another 14-year-old boy Sheikh Mohammad Ibrahim, hailing from Rainawari, Srinagar clinched gold medal at the same Pencak Silat Championship.
The championship was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from December 18 to 22.
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