Hashim Mansoor Shah, 6-year old boy from Kashmir's Bandipora district, who clinched gold medal in the Asian Youth Karate Championship, has inspired many children in the valley to excel in the sport. “We have been receiving hundreds of calls daily from parents in Kashmir seeking our support to hone the sports skills of their children so that they can take part in the state, national and international events,” said Hashim’s coach Faisal Ahmed at a felicitation function organized here today.On the occasion, the Bandipora boy Hashim was felicitated by Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar by presenting him a memento. Hashim won Gold at the Asian Youth Karate Championship, which witnessed participation from 19 other countries. He represented India in the Sub-Junior category in the championship.Hashim is all set to represent India in the World Karate Championship to be held in Europe in September 2017.
Faisal, himself a black belt, has trained Hashim and many other boys at local Ali Sports Academy run by him with the support of J&K youth Karate Association President, Ghulam Nabi Tantray.
Tantray, who was also present on the occasion, informed the Minister that in view of massive interest of young sports aspirants from Kashmir valley they have requested the organizers of national level Karate Championship being held in Bihar by end of this month to register 50 children from J&K. “On the request of parents from almost all districts of Kashmir province, we persuaded the organizers and now 50 children form J&K will be taking part in the event as against 10 agreed earlier,” he said.Congratulating the young boy and his coach for the great achievement, Naeem assured them of every help in their endeavor towards promoting sport in Bandipora and other parts of Kashmir.On the request of Ali Sports Academy management, the Minister issued on the spot directions to the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to renovate two rooms in the local Stadium from where the Academy is presently operating. He also assured to sponsor uniforms and other equipment for 50 children who are going to participate in the national level Karate championship in Bihar.Jubilant with his feat, Hashim Mansoor had a hearty talk with the Minister and gave him a detailed account of his experience during the championship and his win.Pertinently, earlier an eight-year-old girl from Bandipora, Tajamul Islam had clinched Gold at the World Kickboxing Championship.