Kashmir has witnessed a surge in sportspersons from the valley making an impact at national and international level. From the global stage of IPL to reaching Olympics to making an entry in Guinness Book of World Records, Kashmiris have been creating their own place in the world of sports and bringing laurels to the valley.
Kashmir Digits takes a look at Top 10 Sportspersons of the Year 2021 from Kashmir.
The following list is in no particular order of ranking. This is recognition and appreciation for the work they have done this year which makes them a part of this list.
1) Adil Teli
Adil Teli is a 23 year old cyclist from Narbal, Budgam who entered his name into the Guinness Book of World Records, after pedaling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in just 8 days, covering a distance of 3,600 kilometres.
His epic quest began at 7:30 am on 22 March, 2021, flagging off from Ghanta Ghar, Lal Chowk. Eight days, 1 hour and 39 minutes later he was at Kanyakumari and with the record for the fastest journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari on cycle to his name.
2) Arif Khan
Arif Khan a top tier skier from J&K has done the region proud by qualifying for the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022.
Arif secured his place in the Olympics by proving his mettle in the qualifying races around the world. The Gulmarg based skier is currently in Dubai where he had gone for participation in Olympic qualifier Alpine skiing event.
Before securing place in Olympics, Arif had participated in nearly 100 International sporting events including South Asian Games, Asian Games and World Ski Championships.
3) Danish Farooq
Following the footsteps of accomplished footballers from the valley, Danish Farooq has made a name for himself in the game.
A star for Real Kashmir Fc, Danish hit the big leagues after Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC signed him to strengthen their side.
He becomes the 4th Kashmiri to play in the ISL, following Mehrajuddin, Ishfaq, and Ishan.
4) Fiza Nazir
Being a girl from Kashmir, opportunities in the field of martial arts were limited and as such Fiza had to make the most of whatever chances she got and she sure did.
Having won eleven gold, nine silver and seven bronze medals among other titles in Thang Ta (a martial arts form) Fiza Nazir’s resume speaks for herself.
In 2021 she won the Champion of Champions title in J&K Thang-Ta Championship adding further gloss to her growing reputation.
5) Umran Malik
Few people are able to make an impact in such a short span as Umran Malik.
The fast bowler from Kashmir was drafted by IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad as a short term Covd-19 replacement for T Natarajan and soon he was making the stage his own.
After making his debut in the IPL, he bowled the fastest delivery of the IPL clocking up 152.95 kmph against Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore, drawing praise from him and his franchise captain Kane Williamson.
He was then picked by India as one of the net bowlers for their T20 World Cup campaign. Ahead of IPL 2022 auction Umran was among the only three players retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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6) Tajamul Islam
Tajamul Islam had already made a name for herself when she won the World Kickboxing Championship in 2016 in Under-8 category.
After a hiatus she returned to the scene this year and didn’t miss a kick. Competing in the Under-14 category of the World Kickboxing Championship held in Cairo, Egypt on October 22, Tajamul won a gold medal defeating an Argentine player in the final.
This accomplishment means that Tajamul is now a 2 time World Kickboxing Champion.
7) Feroz Ahmed Ganaie
A resident of Check Panjipora, Bijbehara, Anantnag, Feroz was selcted in the Indian Disabled cricket team ahead of an ODI series against Bangladesh.
His selection came after impressive performances in the Probable cricket selection camp at Hyderabad organized by Disabled Cricket Association (BDCA).
A ethusiastic crickter from an early age Feroz met with an accident in 2014, which damaged his feet and was bed ridden for 2 years. But Feroz refused to give up on his dreams and joined J&K’s Disabled Cricket Team and from there his journey to the Indian team began.
8) Nayeem Ahmed Malla
Another heart warming and inspiring story of 2021 was Nayeem Ahmed Malla.
Coming from a middle class family in Budgam, he used to sell shawls and do odd jobs to help out his family.
Despite being physically challenged Nayeem took to cricket as his passion and soon became one of valley’s well known cricketers.
He represented J&K at National level several times before being called up by Indian Disabled cricket team for the ODI, T20 and Test series against Bangladesh.
The fact that Nayeem has been selected across all three formats of the game is truly remarkable and highlights his importance to the side.
9) Nadiya Nighat
Being the first female football coach from Kashmir was an achivement big enough in itself, but for Nadiya Nighat it was just the beginning.
The girl from Rambagh, Srinagar achieved her next milestone when one of the biggest clubs in Kashmir, LoneStar Kashmir FC appointed her as head coach of their Women’s Wing in 2021.
Again Nadiya didn’t stop here.
A truly remarkable moment came when she was made assistant coach of the club’s senior boys team. This was a ground breaking achievement, the likes of which are rarely found in the subcontinent, let alone Kashmir.
Apart from coaching she also continues advance her career as a footballer and was signed by Bengaluru based Parikrma FC as a striker for their 2021 season.
10) Owais Yaqoob
Owais Yaqoob from Murran village of South Kashmir’s Pulwama earned a hard fought title of the second-best mixed martial art player in India ranked by All India Mixed Martial Art Federation (AIMMAF).
Owais was among the four medalists in the welterweight category in the fourth MMA India National Championships which took place in Lucknow from February 19 to 21.
Throughout the competition Owais saw off much stronger and experienced fighters to reach the final.
As many as 223 athletes from 22 states and three union territories participated in the event. Owais beat four of the top athletes in his category.
He has already won 11 gold medals at national level and six silver medals and 17 gold medals at state level.
BONUS:
Athletes in Kashmir continue to make a mark and as such there are many more who are on the cusp of achieving something truly remarkable. In this bonus feature we put forward names that are doing a great job in their field or will break out in the year 2022 and deserve your attention.
1) Nasir Lone
Nasir Lone from Bandipora was one of the first cricketers from the valley who received a call-up from Mumbai Indians for IPL trails.
Nasir, who hails from Gund Qaiser village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district said that reaching to this level is a dream for every sports person and he feels overjoyed as his dream has come true today.
2) Aquib Nabi
Baramulla boy Aquib Nabi, was also called by Mumbai Indians for their trials for the upcoming IPL season.
The right arm pacer who bats down the order, had an exceptional season in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
3) Basit Hamid
Basit Hamid a young bodybuilder from Pulwama and the founder of Team extreme Power lift won a gold medal in the National Powerlifting Championship.
Basit bagged gold in the 82-kilogram junior category, in an event that Kashmiri athletes win 6 medals.
(Featured image design: Faizan Wani)