Etching a significant milestone , Dua Mukhtar, an 18-year-old student from Beerwah town of Budgam district, brought laurels for the after clinching silver medal in the Kalaripayattu game at the recently held 37th national games in Goa.
In the senior category of the Kalaripayattu game, Dua Mukhtar secured the second rank bringing great honor to Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory during the 37th National Games.
While talking to the Rising Kashmir, Dua expressed her joy over her achievement and stated that November 8th brought a special moment as she achieved the second rank , winning silver medal at the 37th National Games of 2023.
“I am feeling proud of myself that I have represented Jammu and Kashmir on various national and international platforms,” She said.
Dua said that in the year 2017, she started practicing in the kalaripayattu and karate games and joined the Tajamul Sports Academy in Beerwah, where she received proper training and was doing the practices with her coach, Tajamul Ahmad Khan.
“Since the year 2017, I have played at 14 national, 15 state, and one international level and have won various gold, silver, and bronze medals in the kalaripayattu and karate games. I have also played one international match in the karate game in the All India International Karate Championship 2023, which was held in Delhi. II bagged the bronze medal in this event,” she said.
Dua hails her parents for their support and pledges to make them proud.
Dua said, “My parents have given me every kind of support, through which I have received training and participated in various national, state, and international platforms over the last seven years”.
““In current times younger generations are encouraged and inclined towards sports to accomplish their dreams in this field. Youngsters want to carve a niche in sports and shine in various kinds of sports and games. Today’s youth aspire to become good sports persons and create career opportunities in this field. I also want to see my career shining in the field of sports. I aspire to represent Jammu and Kashmir and India on international platforms,” she said.
Dua further said that people who think there is no career in the field of sports are totally wrong. Sports is one of the fields that has international market value.
“If a person wants to make a mark in sports he or she needs to work very hard to fulfill their dreams in sports activities. Their families must support them in carving a career in sports”,
“I am feeling proud of my parents, teachers, and coach, who have provided me with a lot of support . Today, I have represented Jammu and Kashmir at the 37th national games, tomorrow there must be other youngsters to represent Jammu and Kashmir on these platforms,” She added.
Dua stated that in the beginning of her sports career she had to face lots of difficulties in practicing and playing in national sports events.
“However, as I gained a better understanding of the importance of sports in today’s world, my interest and passion for sports grew. I aspire to become an international athlete, representing not only my village, my UT but also my nation”, she said.
“It is crucial for people to engage in sports activities alongside their studies or professional pursuits. Sports have the potential to alleviate stress and improve mental health”, she added.
Dua has completed his 12th grade exams in science subjects during this year. She is also preparing for the NEET exams. Apart from the sports , Dua also wants to become a doctor, to serve her people and her country.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Dua’s Coach Tajamul Ahmad Khan said that Dua began her martial arts journey at the age of 12 when she joined his sports academy.
“She has played various nationals and represented India at international events. She is also a gold medalist in some national games. She has also played Khelo India Youth Games in Haryana and Khelo India Youth Games in Madhya Pradesh. After that, she also participated in the 37th national games trials, and then she qualified for the 37th national games in Goa, where she won a silver medal”, Tajamul said.
Khan said that the doors of his academy are open to all those who aspire to make a crier in sports. “I want my students to have a shining feature at the national and international platforms in sports”, he said.
