Shahid Ahmad Chachi, the sole gold medal winner for J&K in 4th Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg brought cheers to the host UT on Saturday. His yellow footprints on the Kangdoori slopes shall leave indelible marks on his evolving professional career.
Shahid did not disappoint his admirers; instead he won hearts of fans & sport lovers with a phenomenal performance in Vertical Ski Mountaineering at Kangdoori when he mounted the distance taking 35 minutes 29 seconds earning the title by defeating Mayank Dimri with marginal duration of 41 seconds.
Shahid Chachi, local boy from Tangmarg coming from humble background, is a self taught athlete who has been working hard diurnally to embark on the successful sports career. Yesterday was the moment, he achieved milestone and the first Gold medal in of his career in any national event.
Thanking Almighty for the success, Chachi says, " I put tremendous effort during my training and my God bestowed me with result". "My family support & prayers rejuvenated my energy and made it convenient for me to obtain the goal".
Initially, he had topped the event organized by local Ski association. After assessing the inbuilt potential that Chachi possesses, association members encouraged him and mentored his talent by working on his techniques and skill.
Acknowledging the role of coaches for the latest success, Chachi thanked Mehraj Ud Din Bhat and Younis Ahmed for the support, valuable guidance and mentorship.The coaches saw glimpse of fine talent in the youngster who invited him to register for 4th Khelo India Winter Games, 2024.
The Gold medal was his 3rd medal in KIWG after Silver in Sprint and shared bronze in Men's Relay of Skiing Mountaineering with a group of other three colleagues including Mehraj ud Din Bhat, Ghulam Mohammad & Shiekh Mohsin.
"Given the opportunity to represent the UT and Country, I will surely bring medals", Shahid makes a promise to the nation."We have great facilities here", he says and adds that "we only need willpower to participate in games".
"Many youngsters of our country go foreign countries to participate in various competitions" the athlete expects them to explore the winter adventure at Gulmarg. The elated youngster while celebrating the occasion, shows reservation to give credit to anyone other than country and himself.