Maroof Hilal Sofi, a 19-year-old resident of Frestabal Pampore, has been selected for an international martial arts championship in Philippines.
The District Administration Pulwama is sponsoring Maroof’s trip to Philippines to participate in the championship that will be held from 19 July to July 24.
Maroof started learning martial arts at the age of 8 and since then has participated in many tournaments at state and national level.
He is leaving on Friday for Philippines.
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“I will try my best to win a gold medal for my country,” he said talking to Kashmir Reader. He added that playing at the international level was his dream, which has come true.
After a stunning performance at a national event organised by Thang Ta Federation of India in Goa in 2020, Maroof was selected for the international martial arts championship in Philippines.
Maroof is now the head coach at Pampore Thang Ta Academy where he trains 21 boys in this sport.
The martial arts player said that he was always supported by his parents, who kept motivating him to do better.
He also thanked Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Baseer-Ul-Haq Choudhary, and Tehsildar Pampore, Zubair Ahmad Bhat, for authorising his sponsorship.
Maroof said he had approached Tehsildar Pampore Zubair Ahmad Bhat for sponsoring his trip to take part in the event. The Tehsildar forwarded his request to Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Baseer-Ul-Haq Choudhary, who authorised his sponsorship.