Gold fever has swept through the saffron town of Pampore after Sajad Ahmad Bhat and his daughter brought home twin victories from the Pencak Silat World Championship in Abu Dhabi.
The father-daughter duo, who clinched gold medals in the Masters and Junior categories at global sport stage, showcases their dedication, grit, and a lifelong passion for the sport.
With international championship held from December 18 to 22 in Abu Dhabi, the event witnessed participation of athletes from 57 countries.
Speaking about their feat, Bhat said, “We feel highly ecstatic to have represented our country on an international platform and brought home gold medals.”
For Muskan, the junior gold medallist, defeating her German opponent in the final was a defining moment. “Representing India internationally has been a dream come true,”
Hailing from the saffron town of Pampore, Bhat has been passionate about martial arts since his childhood. He has made significant contributions to popularise various forms of the sport in his area.
From encouraging local youth to take up martial arts to actively training them, Bhat has played a crucial role in nurturing talent.
“I have trained hundreds of youth, including my own daughter, across south Kashmir,” said Bhat.
After playing various forms of the sport like Karate and Taekwondo, Bhat settled for Pencak Slait.
Pencak Slait is a distinctive form of martial art embedded in Malay culture and is played in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Southern Thailand.
“It was introduced here in 2012, and I have been playing it ever since,” Bhat said, who has also participated in high-profile reality shows like Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch bi Karega aired on Sony TV.
Expressing her gratitude, Muskan while speaking to this correspondent thanked her father, coach, and the J&K Sports Council for providing essential support and equipment
“My journey from a small platform to an international stage has been shaped by relentless hard work and cast-iron resolve,” said the junior gold winner.
