Zarah Bhat, a 21-year-old Athlete from Downtown Srinagar, has competed for Kashmir at several levels. She began her journey when she was in the sixth 6th and is renowned for being the first Kashmiri woman to achieve the rank of DAN black belt in karate.
She has won five medals at the district and state levels and has silver medals at the national level. She took part in the KAI, and as a result, the Prime Minister's Sports Authority of India chose her for a certificate programme in health and fitness.
"I started my professional journey when I was twelve years old. I have been interested in athletics since childhood, and I've always wanted to show the world what I'm capable of. When my school began offering karate courses when I was in sixth grade, I felt excited because it was the first step in the right direction.
So my karate journey began". Said, ZarahBeing from a middle-class family, it was difficult for me to meet all the requirements, but my father who has been quite supportive throughout my journey managed it all.
We experienced financial difficulties, but my family didn't let me feel it and provided me with whatever was required. To overcome these difficult situations, I put in a lot of energy to succeed.
As I belong to a male-dominated society, choosing support was full of challenges and some people always wanted to bring me down but these things didn't discourage me.I had to face religious as well as social tantrums during the discourse of my initial stage.
However, my family and parents have always supported me. My strength comes from my parents. My dreams have always been encouraged by them. They say that working hard and remaining committed to your goals is the only way to achieve your goals.
I have competed in numerous competitions at the district, state, national, and international levels, and Alhamdulillah, I have received numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals. During my 12th class, I fell ill. It was quite a difficult period for me, and I felt like I would lose my dream, but I persisted.
Zarah believed that the future of man is marked by him. I have a dream of Serving my country and still have a lot of things I want to do. In particular, for the girls, I wanted to set an example and provide a platform for those who are desirous to choose support as their profession.
I want them to be self-sufficient and still have a lot to learn, but adventure activities have captured my attention."I think you should take defeat with a smile on your face! I fail a lot, but each failure makes me stronger and more committed to achieving my goal. I qualified (63rd Yoga Games U19 DURG, Chattisgarh) after putting in a lot of hard work. J also participated in JUDO, where I represented Kashmir at several levels" said Zarah.
After taking part in the Diploma programme in Health and fitness, I was chosen to enroll in a certificate course under the Prime Minister Package in Health and Fitness Sports Authority of India (SNS), NIS Patiala (India).
"Our state sports council hired me as an H&F coach at Radpora's Khawaja Nakhsband Stadium after I completed the course". Said, ZarahFollowing that, I participated as an athlete in Chattisgarh's 63rd National Yoga Games and participated in a judo tournament.
Bhat also won first place in competitions for yoga and e-martial arts on an international level.Following my participation in the IST International Martial Arts and Yoga Competition, in which I placed got the first position in India, our Shihan decided to promote me to Senior Vice President of the TKAJAK in the District of Srinagar.
During that time, we held several events at which the Honorable Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh, along with the then CM Minister Miss Mehbooba Mufti and the Youth Wing Mr. Waheed ur Rehman Parry, served as the chief guests. The event was a great success
I think that the future of man is marked by him. Serving my country is my goal. I still have a lot of things I want to do, and I will, in Allah's name. I wanted to serve as an example and build a platform.
Zarah has won several competitions and prizes, including the Gold Medal -55 kg Jammu and Kashmir State Championship 2021 at the indoor complex in Jammu and the Punjab State Karate Championship 2020–2021.Changed profession to achieve a dream.
Zarah has won a Gold Medal in Karate but due to a lack of basic karate facilities, she tried her luck in Health Fitness. The Lack of Karate infrastructure in Kashmir forced Zarah to make "Fitness" her additional profession and she qualified for the NIS Exam in 2021 and became the first NIS-qualified coach in Kashmir.
Zarah has missed several International championships due to a lack of sponsorship
During the Covid pandemic, when physical practice was not possible and championships were held online, Zarah won gold In the Emartial art and yoga competition in an online international championship held in 2020.
Zarah has grudges that she could have won more medals and played more International matches only if she could have gotten the required sponsorship and the basic karate requirements.