Srinagar: Sharpul Islam, 13, is the first Kashmir girl representing India and won the gold medal – in the category under the age of 14 – in the world kickboxing championship held in Cairo in Egypt on October 22.
He was born in Tarkpora, a remote village in the North Kashmir District District, 56km from Srinagar.
A 7th grade student at the Goodwill School of the Army in Bandipora, Sharpul beat Lalina Argentina in the final.
“I have represented India in Italy in 2016 as well, in the Under 9 category.
Players from 90 other countries have participated in the championship,” Sharpul Ti said, after returning home.
Sharpul said that the championship began on October 18 and concluded on October 24.
“I won my gold on October 22.
Thirty players from India participated in various categories of age / weight,” he said.
According to Sharpul, he played four fights at the event – he fought against players from Egypt’s home countries while their third and fourth fight with rivals from France and Argentina.
Talking about the last fight, Sharpul said that his rival was very fast in making him move.
“But I remain cool and it paid off,” he said.
Sharpul is the third of five children from his parents.
“My father Ghulam Mohammad Lone is a businessman based in Mumbai but he returned home today,” he said.
Sharply dreams become orthopedic surgeons.
“I want to take a break and join the bones by being a ‘bone and joint’ doctor,” Sharply laughed.
Sharpul is also a brand ambassador from the Beari Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme.
“Mummy I always encourage me and he impresses my father to allow me to play games,” he said.
“I feel proud of my daughter.
News about her victory gold has spread in the area,” said Tajmul’s father.
“Sharpul entered the kickboxing in 2014 when he joined the local academy, who trained boys and girls in martial arts in the bandpora,” his father said.