Xuhaib Maqbool
Even after qualifying state, national and international competitions, Aliya Akhoon (16) is still waiting for someone from the government to encourage them and boost her morale.
One of the promising Taekwondo players of our state, Aliya says she is dire need of financial support. But the fact of the matter is that there is none to help Aliya and her fellow colleagues who could one day bring laurels to the state.
These aspiring players want to be the brown, red and black belts.
Under the banner, Syed Shujat Shah Association (SSSA),Aliya has learnt Teak-Won-do from a very little age. She has made her association and family proud by winning championships like South Asian International Karate championship-2015 with Bronze medal, State championship under district Srinagar martial arts academy with Gold medal.There are several other medals and awards in her kitty.
“I have chosen Teakwondo as my sport at a very young age. It started by watching over one of my best friends, I used to visit martial arts club with her where she used to practice her martial art skills. As I am elder sibling in my family, I felt that my family would be in need of my support one day. Witnessing an increase in the crime rate against women, I simply started practicing Teak-Won-Do at SSSA,” she said.
She says whatever she has achieved so far would not have been possible without the support of her family and her mentor Syed Shujat Shah. “Now the time has changed. Our club and all the martial arts schools in valley need a very kind helping hand from the Government so that they can make out their best out if this sport,” Aliya says.
“I appeal government to care for this sport as this can be very useful for the women too by the going time a woman definitely needs to be trained for any kind of worst situation she would be facing,” Aaliya concludes.