Faroze Ahmad Bhat, 37, a resident of south Kashmir’s Tral is one of the rare faces in Kashmir valley who is deeply involved with traditional martial arts or Sqay.Sqay locally known as shamsherzani (Sabre-fighting) is an Indian martial arts form of sword-fighting originating from Kashmir valley. The history of Sqay can be traced in early days of Kashmir history.
It is governed by the Sqay Federation of India. Armed sqay makes use of a curved single-edge sword paired with a shield, or one sword in each hand. Unarmed techniques incorporate kicks, punches, locks and chops. Sqay have different techniques: single sword double sword free hand techniques and lessons of both free hand and sword.
Since, 1999 Bhat has been playing martial arts, and last year he started his own Sqay martial arts academy for the youth in Tral.The main aim of the academy is that the youth, who come from different areas of Tral, are provided coaching by their mentor.
The traditional martial arts or Sqay Bhat believes is the fastest-growing sport in the world. The School Games Federation of India has already recognized the art which is gaining popularity at the world level also. The Federation organizes competitions at the school, district, inter-district, state and national level while the Sqay Federation of India holds events up to the international level,” Bhat said. ” The art was recently placed in Khelo India and good thing is that it may be included in the Olympics.”
Bhat said apart from India Sqay is gaining popularity across the world, and is equally popular in 54 countries that includes Pakistan, Turkey, China, Nepal, Syria and America.
Hailing from Lurow village of Tral in Pulwama district, Bhat believes, the sports of martial arts can provide ample opportunities for youth in valley.
“Our youth is exceptionally talented and I hope they will take Sqay forward. I know the situation and the circumstances have been difficult for our youth but they are consistently showing courage and determination in sports,” he said.
