Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU/RAJOURI, May 14: In a remarkable story of grit, resilience and sporting excellence, 14-year-old Mohd Yasser from Rajouri has become the first boxer from Jammu and Kashmir to win a gold medal at the Under-15 Asian Boxing Championship, defeating host nation Uzbekistan in the final by 4-1.
For the teenager, who grew up amid poverty and personal tragedy, the triumph is not merely a sporting achievement but a symbol of determination against overwhelming odds.
A Class 9 student of Government Boys Higher Secondary School Rajouri, Yasser lost both his father and his family home in 2018, a blow that pushed the family into severe financial distress. Since then, his mother, Naseem Akhter, has been working as a domestic help in local households to support the family, while Yasser balanced academics, boxing training and odd jobs to contribute to household expenses and help educate his younger siblings.
Our local correspondent visited the residence of Mohd Yasser in Rajouri and found that the family has been living for the past eight years in an old DIET building in highly dilapidated and unsafe conditions. The structure, marked by water seepage and overall poor living conditions, stands in stark contrast to the international glory Yasser has now brought to the Union Territory.
His mother said, “I have no words to express my happiness. My son has achieved something extraordinary for the country and Jammu and Kashmir. But life has been extremely difficult. Despite promises, very little support reached us. I work in homes throughout the day and hardly get time for my children.”
Yasser’s rise in boxing began under the mentorship of Ishtyaq Malik, Head Coach at the Khelo India Centre, Rajouri, who identified his talent at an early stage and trained him through years of struggle. Malik described the championship as a “dream run” for the young boxer.
According to him, Yasser defeated Tajikistan by 5-0 in the pre-quarterfinals, Kazakhstan by 5-0 in the quarterfinals, Iran by 4-1 in the semifinals and finally overcame Uzbekistan by 4-1 in the title clash to clinch the gold medal.
His breakthrough on the national stage had come earlier in August 2025, when he won gold at the Sub-Junior National Boxing Championship in Noida. Following that achievement, the district administration announced a monthly financial assistance of Rs 4,000 for him and support for his sister’s education. However, the family says the aid was irregular (earlier).
Amid the uncertainty, support arrived from Dr Harleen Kour Bhatia, who began extending monthly financial assistance of Rs 5000 to the boxer from her personal resources. “He has brought laurels to the nation, Jammu and Kashmir and Rajouri. I consider him like my own child and will continue supporting him as long as needed,” she said.
Yasser’s younger brother, Fareed Ahmed, said the boxer’s success should inspire other youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds. “If Yasser can do it despite these hardships, others can too,” he said.
A local resident Tazeem Dar has urged the Government to provide a job, land and housing to Asian Junior Boxing Champion 2026 Mohd Yasser, noting that despite bringing laurels to the nation, he continues to live in a dilapidated old DIET building in poor conditions.
The achievement has drawn praise from the Jammu and Kashmir Amateur Boxing Association and sports enthusiasts across the region, many of whom see Yasser’s journey as a powerful reminder that talent can emerge from even the harshest circumstances when backed by perseverance and proper guidance.
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