Waris Fayaz
Sopore, Aug 31 :
A 12-year-old Mohammad Awwab Hakeem of Sopore town has displayed his remarkable skills and passion for martial arts and won bronze.
He recently won a bronze medal in the 3rd Indian Youth MMA championship held on 25-27 August at TT Nagar stadium in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, under plus 42 weight category. The players from Sopore were escorted by their coach Adil Akbar.
Talking exclusively with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Awwab said that he has been involved in martial arts for the past two years and it has now become his true passion.
He has already represented Kashmir at the national level and aspires to become a professional fighter. For him, martial arts provides an avenue for personal growth and development.
“I’m so grateful to my parents as well as my teachers/mentor especially Musarat Kar, who owns the Shahi Hamdan academy for their wholly support and contribution,” Awwab said.
His ultimate goal is to make a name for himself in the sports and represent India at the international level, aiming for a gold medal.
He told KNO that he has been faced with multiple challenges but his coaches played a vital role in his career.
“Believe in yourself and your abilities, remain focused on your passion and the day will not be so far when you will succeed,” he said while urging youth to never lose hope.
While every sport holds significance, however, it is an individual’s choice to pursue the one they are most passionate about, he said.
Awwab believes that engaging children in sports not only keeps them physically fit but also protects them from the increasing social problems, such as drug abuse prevalent in society—(KNO)