KUPWARA’S RIFAT RASOOL AND SNOBAR FAYAZ SHINE AT 6TH ASIAN SAVATE CHAMPIONSHIP

In a proud moment for North Kashmir, two young athletes from Kupwara district, Rifat Rasool and Snobar Fayaz showcased remarkable talent and determination at the 6th Asian Savate Championship held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Competing against top athletes from 16 countries, they secured silver and bronze medals bringing honor to their homeland. Their achievement is a testament to the potential of young athletes from remote regions and the growing presence of Indian talent in international martial arts competitions. The prestigious event organized by the Asian Savate Confederation (ASC) under the aegis of the International Savate Federation (FISAV) witnessed participation from over 400 athletes across Asia.

Rifat Rasool, a native of Mawer Handwara competed in the 56 kg weight category. She put up a stellar fight, securing a silver medal despite facing tough opponents, including a challenging final bout against an experienced contender from Nepal. Her ability to hold her ground against international athletes speaks volumes about her training and determination. Reflecting on her journey, Rifat shared, “This was my first time competing outside my district. Though I couldn’t secure gold, the experience has been invaluable. I have learned a lot and now understand what areas I need to improve. I am motivated to train harder and aim for the gold in future tournaments.”

Snobar Fayaz, hailing from the remote village of Kandi Khass, also competed in the 56 kg category and earned a bronze medal. She displayed great resilience throughout the tournament but faced defeat in the third round against a more experienced opponent. Despite the setback her journey to the podium was a demonstration of grit and determination. “I fought with all my strength but in the third round I lost my grip. This championship has been a great learning opportunity and I now know my strengths and weaknesses. I am committed to refining my skills and coming back stronger in future competitions,” said Snobar.

The achievements of these young athletes mark a significant milestone for women’s sports in Kashmir particularly in martial arts. Their success highlights the importance of providing training facilities and mentorship to aspiring sports persons from remote areas.

The success of Rifat and Snobar has been widely celebrated with support pouring in from the sports community, local authorities and well-wishers. The duo received encouragement from sports officials and government representatives who recognized their achievements as a source of inspiration for Kashmiri youth. Manoj Mehra, General Secretary of the Savate Association of J&K and President Aaftab extended their congratulations best wishes to the winners and acknowledged the efforts of their trainers.

Additionally, the J&K government has been making efforts to promote sports and martial arts in the region by providing better training infrastructure, coaching programs and sponsorship opportunities for promising athletes. The victories of Rifat and Snobar reinforce the need for continued investment in grassroots-level sports training.

Their remarkable performance at the 6th Asian Savate Championship has set a strong precedent for aspiring athletes from the region. It underscores the immense potential of young sports persons from remote areas and highlights the transformative power of sports. Their journey serves as an inspiration for countless others who dream of making a mark on the global stage. As they return home with their well-earned medals, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of future generations of athletes in Kashmir proving that with dedication, training and the right support, even those from the most remote corners of the country can achieve greatness on the international stage.