AABIDA AKHTAR

Abida Akhter began her sporting journey in Class 6 at Higher Secondary School Aragam, participating in team games such as Kho-Kho, Handball and Kabaddi, along with athletics, particularly running events. Her early exposure to different sports gradually developed into a deep passion for sports and competition. A major turning point in her journey came when she was in Class 12. Coach Mr. Faisal Ali introduced martial arts at HSS Aragam, giving students in the area an opportunity to learn the sport. Inspired by both the competitive nature of martial arts and its importance as a form of self-defence, Abida decided to pursue it seriously as a career. She subsequently trained under the guidance of Coach Faisal Ali at Ali’s Sports Academy, Bandipora, where she developed her skills and began competing at higher levels. Over the years, Abida has built an impressive record across multiple disciplines. She is a State Gold Medalist in Taekwondo and Wushu, a National Silver Medalist in Kickboxing, and has represented Jammu and Kashmir at the national level in Kabaddi. She has also participated in the North India Taekwondo Championship, won a Bronze Medal at the Open Kashmir Taekwondo Championship, a Gold Medal at the Open Kashmir Wushu Championship, and a Silver Medal at an International Wushu Championship. Her sporting journey extends beyond martial arts. She has completed an Advanced Course in Snow Skiing and a Basic Course in Mountaineering. She is also a two-time Silver Medalist in the Wular Half Marathon. Abida's achievements have also earned her recognition for her contribution to sports. She became the first woman Tribal Awardee in Sports at the Union Territory level, marking an important milestone in her journey and highlighting her contribution to sports among young people. Professionally, Abida is presently working in the Youth Services and Sports (YSS) Department, Jammu and Kashmir, as a REK. Her experience extends beyond competing as an athlete. She has represented Jammu and Kashmir four times as a team coach and twice as a technical official at the national level. Her contribution to sports is particularly visible through the students she mentors. At the institution where she currently works, 782 students have participated at the zonal level, 241 at the district level, 31 at the UT level and 3 at the national level, with students securing different positions and medals along the way. From participating in school sports in Class 6 to becoming a state, national and international medalist, coach and technical official, Abida Akhter's journey reflects how sport can evolve from a childhood passion into a lifelong profession and a means of empowering others. Her work continues to encourage young athletes, particularly girls, to take up sports, develop confidence and pursue competitive opportunities beyond their local communities.