Sheebu Ashraf, a talented martial art player from the historic Kakapora town in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, has brought laurels to the area by clinching a gold medal in the 30th National Thang-Ta Championship held in Haridwar, Uttrakhand.
Competing in the senior girls’ category, Sheebu showcased her exceptional skills to emerge victorious in the prestigious event.
Sheebu expressed her joy and gratitude for the achievement, marking it as her fourth national-level gold medal.
She previously won gold medals in Kanyakumari, New Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir. Her impressive record also includes several bronze and silver medals.
Sheebu’s journey in Thang-Ta began at the tender age of 11 when she was introduced to the sport by a friend in 2014.
Although her friend eventually gave up, Sheebu’s passion for the martial art only grew stronger. With unwavering determination, she continued to hone her skills, driven by the dream of achieving gold.
Support from her family, particularly her mother, played a crucial role in her success. Recognizing her potential, Sheebu’s parents stood by her throughout her journey. Her coach, who holds a strong belief in her abilities, is now encouraging her to aim for international glory.
Despite her achievements, Sheebu highlighted the challenges she faces due to the lack of basic infrastructure in her hometown. The absence of an indoor stadium and essential training equipment makes practice difficult, especially during the harsh winter months. Currently, she and her teammates train in the private accommodation of their coach.
Undeterred by these challenges, Sheebu remains committed to her goal of representing India on the international stage.
