Pulwama : A teenager from Saffron town Pampore in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district has been selected for 6th Mixed Martial Art National Championship.
Maroof Hilal Sofi (19) son of Hilal Ahmad Sofi resident of Frestabal area of Pampore town in Pulwama district is set to showcase his talent in the National MMA championship scheduled to be held in Lucknow starting from 25 May.
Maroof said that he was interested in martial arts since childhood and started learning this art when he was 8.
I have participated in different tournaments at state, National level and even at international level and have won many medals, he said, adding, every new selection is a new opportunity to gain experience and prove your mettle.
Maroof, who is also head coach of Thang Ts academy Pampore where is giving training to youth interested in this art and has himself won 6 gold medals at national level besides a bronze medal at international level.
He said that engaging in sports is the best way to keep physically fit and keep them away from drug addiction.
On being asked about sports infrastructure in J&K, he said, “J&K as of now lacks infrastructure and we have only some small stadiums available for cricket only.
He said that neither there is any infrastructure nor is there any financial support from the administration. “Even we have to buy equipment that is required ourselves.”
He urged the government to provide a platform to the youth of J&K so that youth can be engaged in sports activities and keep them away from drug addiction.
He along with his family is confident that he will perform well in the coming event in Lucknow and will bring laurels to the whole J&K.
Maroof said that our youth are very talented and there is a need to provide them with a platform and support them so that they won’t face any problem in reaching to mega stages and performing well there—(KNO)
