Srinagar, Mar 5: Aqsa Gulzar was just 12 years old when she stepped into her first Pencak Silat class in Nowshera, driven by her passion for sports. Eight years on, the now 20-year-old is making headlines as Jammu and Kashmir’s rising phenomenon in the Indonesian martial arts.
Starting with humble beginnings, Aqsa has shattered expectations and glass ceilings through her exceptional talent and unrelenting perseverance. Her trophy cabinet glitters with 15 national and international gold and bronze medals in Pencak Silat – an extraordinary achievement for the young athlete from a smaller town.
Aqsa’s journey to the upper echelons of success signals immense pride for her whilst spotlighting immense promise amongst J&K’s next generation of female athletes. With unstoppable determination, she continues to diligently pursue excellence in Pencak Silat – breaking barriers and inspiring other girls along the way.
Her list of achievements is long. From securing bronze at the 19th World Championship in Malaysia to claiming gold at the Asian Championship, Aqsa has consistently proven her mettle on the global stage.
Her recent triumph at the 11th Senior National Championship in Nasik, Maharashtra, solidifies her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of Pencak Silat.
In October 2023, Aqsa showcased her prowess once again at the 37th National Games in Goa, where she clinched yet another gold medal.
Aqsa believes that sports are not just for boys. “This thought itself is wrong – that athletics are only important for boys. We may need it any time for self-defence. It not only helps with self-defence but also keeps us physically and mentally fit, diverting us from bad habits like drugs.”
She said that her family is very supportive of her athletic career. Her father, who is also an athlete, has been a major inspiration in her life.
“My whole family is supportive. My father is my Inspiration because he is also from this field. He has seen how much struggle one has to go through in this field, and that’s why he supports me so much,” she said.
Aqsa is currently pursuing a B. Com Honors Degree from Islamia College of Science and Commerce.
She is balancing her studies with her rigorous training schedule. Aqsa’s dream is to make her parents proud and to represent India at the international level.
“Being an athlete means so much. It means willingness to train hard, wanting to grow with my team and coaches to be the best I can be,” she said.
She said that sports can help girls to develop confidence, self-discipline, and leadership skills and can also help girls to stay healthy and to avoid negative influences.
In recognition of her outstanding performance, Aqsa was commended by LG Manoj Sinha for her remarkable achievement at the World Pencak Silat Championship in 2022, where she clinched the bronze medal.
Sheikh Adil, Kashmir University Gymnasium Coach who accompanied the Pencak Silat Contingent as Coach Cum Manager of the team told Greater Kashmir that youth especially girls are learning martial arts and marking their presence in sports.
“I think it is very important for youth to get involved in sports like Pencak and remain fit physically and mentally,” he said.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir youth are sharp-minded and talented and they need encouragement and a positive approach.