Ehsaan-ul- Boodha of south Kashmir’s Shopian district has made his name in Sqay — South Asian form of sword-fighting originating in Kashmir by winning several Gold medals at national and international level.
Ehsaan’s father is a farmer who, according to him, proved he is the best father. “My father’s wholehearted support helped me to gain thousands of fans not only in Shopian district but all over the country.
Ehsan won a Gold medal recently in the prestigious three day championship organized by World Martial Art Union in Korea. Ehsan-ul Boodha while recalling his journey of becoming a Sqay champion says, “I have won twenty Medals at National level including fifteen Gold, four Silver and one Bronze; besides, six Gold, one Silver at International level.
Eshaan says that he has participated in many Sqay International championships which were held in Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. “Recently, I participated in the Sqay championship, held in Korea, in which I emerged as a champion.”
“I started developing interest in the game of Sqay during my early childhood and till now I have been great in this game. When I started to practice Sqay, a lot of hindrances came in my way but finally my hard work has paid off,” he adds.
Although, there have been many such instances when Ehsaan missed some golden opportunities due to financial constraints. “When I began to participate in this game, my father was not convinced as he would tell me “Sqay is a life risking game” but I didn’t lose hope and continued playing it,” says Eshan.
Ehsan says that it was only after his selection in the Sqay National Championship, which was held in Goa in 2010, that his relatives and neighbors started to value and recognize my efforts. “Today, there are thousands of youth in my area who are showing interest in this game including boys and girls,” he says.
