Onlykashmir.in News Desk
SRINAGAR, October 22: Jammu and Kashmir opened its campaign at the 70th National School Games Taekwondo Championship on a high note, as Sarfaraaz Ahmad claimed the gold medal in the Under-63 kg category at the Government College of Physical Education in Ganderbal.
Sarfaraaz defeated Aihan Waseem of CBSE in the final bout, a result that brought early honour to the Union Territory in a field featuring players from states and boards across the country. The victory is a significant milestone for a young athlete from J&K and a reminder of the depth of combat sports talent in the region.
The championship was formally inaugurated by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, who attended as the Chief Guest. Deputy Director Tania Majahan and officials of the School Games Federation of India were present at the ceremony, which marked the start of a multi-day contest in the Kashmir Valley. Hosting a national level school event in Ganderbal underlines the growing role of the district as a venue for sporting activity.
The opening day was a busy one, with 157 bouts held across various weight categories. Young athletes displayed technique, discipline and resolve on the mat, with contests drawing teams representing different states and school boards.
Other finals on the day also produced notable results. In the Under-48 kg category, Fakhar Tiwari of Uttarakhand defeated Abinash of Assam to take gold, while in the Under-32 kg category Aania of Tamil Nadu beat Ansa of Kerala in the final bout to secure the top honour. The spread of winners across regions reflects the national character of the competition and the level of preparation among school athletes from different parts of the country.
Taekwondo, a Korean martial art that is part of the Olympic programme, demands speed, balance and tactical awareness. School level championships are widely seen as the first rung on the ladder for athletes aiming at senior national and international events. For J&K, early success at such a platform can encourage more students to take up the sport and strengthen the case for better coaching and infrastructure at the district level.
The first day proved encouraging for the Union Territory, with Sarfaraaz Ahmad’s performance highlighting the potential of its young sportspersons on the national stage. The championship continues at Ganderbal, with athletes competing in the remaining weight categories for top honours.
