Srinagar, Mar 5: Aqsa Gulzar was simply 12 years outdated when she stepped into her first Pencak Silat class in Nowshera, pushed by her ardour for sports activities. Eight years on, the now 20-year-old is making headlines as Jammu and Kashmir’s rising phenomenon within the Indonesian martial arts.
Beginning with humble beginnings, Aqsa has shattered expectations and glass ceilings by means of her distinctive expertise and unrelenting perseverance. Her trophy cupboard glitters with 15 nationwide and worldwide gold and bronze medals in Pencak Silat – a rare achievement for the younger athlete from a smaller city.
Aqsa’s journey to the higher echelons of success alerts immense satisfaction for her while spotlighting immense promise amongst J&Okay’s subsequent technology of feminine athletes. With unstoppable willpower, she continues to diligently pursue excellence in Pencak Silat – breaking limitations and provoking different ladies alongside the way in which.
Her listing of achievements is lengthy. From securing bronze on the nineteenth World Championship in Malaysia to claiming gold on the Asian Championship, Aqsa has persistently confirmed her mettle on the worldwide stage.
Her current triumph on the eleventh Senior Nationwide Championship in Nasik, Maharashtra, solidifies her standing as a pressure to be reckoned with on the earth of Pencak Silat.
In October 2023, Aqsa showcased her prowess as soon as once more on the thirty seventh Nationwide Video games in Goa, the place she clinched yet one more gold medal.
Aqsa believes that sports activities aren’t only for boys. “This thought itself is fallacious – that athletics are solely necessary for boys. We may have it any time for self-defence. It not solely helps with self-defence but in addition retains us bodily and mentally match, diverting us from dangerous habits like medication.”
She mentioned that her household may be very supportive of her athletic profession. Her father, who can be an athlete, has been a serious inspiration in her life.
“My entire household is supportive. My father is my Inspiration as a result of he’s additionally from this subject. He has seen how a lot battle one has to undergo on this subject, and that’s why he helps me a lot,” she mentioned.
Aqsa is at the moment pursuing a B. Com Honors Diploma from Islamia College of Science and Commerce.
She is balancing her research along with her rigorous coaching schedule. Aqsa’s dream is to make her dad and mom proud and to characterize India on the worldwide stage.
“Being an athlete means a lot. It means willingness to coach arduous, eager to develop with my staff and coaches to be the very best I could be,” she mentioned.
She mentioned that sports activities may help ladies to develop confidence, self-discipline, and management expertise and may assist ladies to remain wholesome and to keep away from unfavourable influences.
In recognition of her excellent efficiency, Aqsa was recommended by LG Manoj Sinha for her outstanding achievement on the World Pencak Silat Championship in 2022, the place she clinched the bronze medal.
Sheikh Adil, Kashmir College Gymnasium Coach who accompanied the Pencak Silat Contingent as Coach Cum Supervisor of the staff informed Higher Kashmir that youth particularly ladies are studying martial arts and marking their presence in sports activities.
“I believe it is vitally necessary for youth to become involved in sports activities like Pencak and stay match bodily and mentally,” he mentioned.
He mentioned that Jammu and Kashmir youth are sharp-minded and gifted they usually want encouragement and a constructive strategy.
#Bronze #Gold #Aqsas #meteoric #ascent #martial #arts #continues
