5 Kashmiri Kids Who Followed Their Passion Against All Odds And Ended Up Winning BIG

For generations, Indian kids have had only a select few career options which were “acceptable” to society; doctor, engineer, lawyer or CA. Anything else and the judgemental eye of society would strike you down. Moreover, in a place like Kashmir, where conditions are hostile and things like curfew are a norm, it gets even more difficult for kids to truly follow their passion.

However, these 5 Kashmiri kids have overcome significant odds, shattered longstanding stereotypes and excelled at what they’re truly passionate about:

1. Iqra Rasool

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She’s just 17-years-old and has already earned several accolades for her prowess in the game of cricket. She’s a resident of North Kashmir and is popularly known as Baramulla’s super girl. She has been known to hold her ground against both girls and boys in the field.

“Members from the boys team have asked me to join them, but my mother is apprehensive… This is my dream and I am fortunate that I am living it.”

While she presently does not have any support from the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) have pledged their support. They’ve promised to provide her with a cricket ground, all the required equipment and a cycle.

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2. Nadiya Nighat

Nadiya has an undying passion for the game of football and lives the dream as Kashmir’s first female football coach and referee. At the relatively tender age of 19, Nadiya trains her own football club consisting of 15 wards. While Kashmir has quite a few football clubs, rarely do girls ever get to join any of these let alone coach one of them. Nadiya is certainly going against the grain, taking on presumptions and living her passion for the game to the fullest.

“When I started playing football as a child, my father never stopped me. Whenever my mom objected, my father stood by me and always said ‘let her play’.”

What’s more, in 2015, the All India Football Association declared her the ‘best referee’ for officiating a boys football tournament in the region. Nadiya also runs her own coaching academy for budding footballers which includes 29 children of which 3 are girls.

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3. Hashim Mansoor

Hashim is a six-year-old boy from the Bandipora district of Kashmir. He emerged as a prodigal star in the region after winning a gold medal at the Asian Karate Championship last year. The young achiever was working hard for the win since 2015 and insisted that it was a tough battle. His coach is thoroughly impressed with his hard work.

“It is a huge thing to win this Championship as there are not much resources for sports in Kashmir. Hashim faced a lot of hurdles to reach here.”

Mansoor is mostly likely going to be representing India in the World Karate Championship in Europe in September 2017.

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4. Mohammed Asrar Rehbar and Basit Ahmed

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These 18-year-old football prodigies from Srinagar in Kashmir were shortlisted to play for a third division Spanish football club, Sociedad Deportiva Lenense. Both boys, who were studying in the 12th standard during their selection, have had an immense passion for the game right from their childhood. They are the first players in the history of the state to have been selected to play for a European football club. Asrar was ecstatic after the news of his selection.

“It is an amazing opportunity for me. I became emotional when I first got the news.”

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5. Irtiqa Ayub 

Irtiqa and a team of girls from Srinagar’s Government Women’s College are breaking convention and are all set to compete in freezing cold conditions in the adrenaline-filled sport of snow rugby. When asked what made her take up such a difficult sport, here’s what Irtiqa had to say:

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“I picked up this game purely for its speed, energy level and blood rush. When the rugby ball is in your hands and you race to score a goal, it’s an extraordinary feeling.”

She also mentions that it took a lot of convincing before her father allowed her to follow her passion. While she was at school, her father was reluctant to send her to play. However, after her name started to appear in the papers, her father felt encouraged to support her.

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In a country like ours, wherein societal pressure is such an important factor in all the things that we do, breaking convention and taking that leap of faith in order to follow your passion is no easy feat. I commend the courage of these prodigious individuals and their determination which has allowed them to excel despite odds being stacked heavily against them.

Kudos!

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