Srinagar, Feb 29: Two siblings from DPS Budgam, residing at 90 feet Illahi Bagh Soura, Srinagar, brought laurels by winning gold and bronze medals in the All-India Championship (Boys and Girls) Pencak Silat Championship 2024.
The championship was held from February 18 to 19 at Nanded’s District Sports Complex, Shri Guru Gobind Ji Stadium, Maharashtra.
Umi-Abliha (8) won bronze, and her brother Konain Abbas (10) won the gold medal for Kashmir Valley in the group competition. The duo were members of the 42-person Indian Pencak Silat team, comprising 36 players, coaches, and staff members from all over the nation, including eight players and three coaches from Jammu and Kashmir, UT.
The coach of the siblings, named Sultan Asiq, mentioned that Konain Abbas won gold for the UT. He stated that based on the siblings’ keen interest in this particular sport, they were trained by them. According to the coach, both siblings are keen learners and grasp things quickly. He further stated that they participate in regular practice and are excelling in sports. He expressed optimism that they will reach new heights soon.
At the ages of 9 and 11, children usually don’t venture out of their houses without their parents, but these siblings are strong enough to practice without any fear.
The duo’s parents expressed their joy at their children’s medal wins and stated they were happy their children had won gold and bronze medals. The duo’s mother expressed hope that her children would be able to realize their dreams.
Shaista Ismail, the mother of the duo, told Rising Kashmir that the duo has been practicing martial arts for the last 2.5 years and has also won some medals in the past. She stated that they are providing them with every support, and their father is providing them with all the facilities. They dream of seeing their children represent their country.
