Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, Apr 9: Rising from personal loss, financial hardship and years of quiet struggle, 14-year-old Mohd Yasser from Rajouri has scripted an extraordinary journey to become the first boxer from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected for the Sub-Junior (Under-15) Asian Boxing Championship – a milestone that has brought pride and hope to the Union Territory.
The championship is scheduled to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from May 1 (2026), where Yasser will step into the ring wearing India’s colours for the first time, marking a defining moment in his young career.
Yasser secured his place in the national squad after an impressive performance at the selection trials conducted at the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala, from April 4 to 9. Competing against some of the most promising sub-junior boxers from across the country, he demonstrated technical finesse, endurance and composure under pressure – qualities that ultimately earned him the selectors’ nod.
His selection is not merely a sporting achievement for Jammu and Kashmir but a breakthrough moment for a region that has long remained on the margins of India’s boxing map.
Trained by Mohd Ishtyaq, head coach at the Khelo India Boxing Centre in Rajouri, Yasser has been part of a structured training system since 2022. His coach, who has closely mentored him over the years, described the achievement as both emotional and historic.
“It is a proud moment not only for Rajouri but for the entire Union Territory. Yasser has shown discipline, consistency and determination since the day he started training. His success reflects the potential that exists in our youth when given proper guidance and infrastructure,” Ishtyaq said.
He added that Yasser had earlier trained at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Rohtak for a brief period following his national success, but returned to Rajouri to continue training under familiar conditions. “We felt he needed more personalised attention at this stage. We are now focusing on correcting a few technical aspects before he joins the national camp in Pune for final preparations,” he said.
While the achievement marks a high point in Yasser’s career, the road leading to it has been marked by hardship and resilience. A Class 9 student at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Rajouri, Yasser’s life changed drastically in 2018 when he lost both his father and his family home in the same year.
Since then, his mother, Naseem Akhter, has been the sole breadwinner, working as a domestic help in local households to support the family. The burden of responsibility at a young age has shaped Yasser’s outlook, instilling in him a sense of discipline and determination that reflects in his sporting journey.
Balancing school, training and family responsibilities, Yasser also takes up odd jobs in his spare time to contribute to household expenses and to support the education of his younger siblings – a brother studying in Class 9 and a sister in primary school.
Despite the odds, he remained focused on his passion for boxing. His breakthrough came in August 2025, when he clinched a gold medal at the Sub-Junior National Boxing Championship in Noida. The victory brought him recognition and briefly turned the spotlight on his struggles.
Following his win, the district administration announced a monthly financial assistance of Rs 4,000 for Yasser and similar support for his sister, along with assurances of better living conditions. However, according to Yasser, the support has not been consistent.
“I received only three instalments, and my sister has not received any assistance so far,” he said. He added that despite promises made after his national success, his family continues to live in a modest and difficult environment, where basic issues like water seepage during rains remain a concern.
Recalling the challenges he has faced, Yasser said, “In 2018, we lost our house and my father passed away due to illness. Since then, my mother has been taking care of everything. I try to help her by working in my free time so that I can support my family and continue my studies and training.”
Yet, amid these struggles, the young boxer remains grounded and focused on his goals. “I am very happy to be selected for the Indian team. It is the biggest day of my life. My mother is very proud, and that means everything to me,” he said.
For his coach, Yasser’s journey is a reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance and support at the grassroots level. “He is a product of the Khelo India system. His success shows that talent exists even in the most remote areas – it just needs the right platform,” Ishtyaq said, adding that the focus now is on ensuring Yasser is fully prepared for the international stage.
Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri Abhishek Sharma described Yasser’s selection as a significant achievement for the district and the Union Territory. Acknowledging concerns regarding the delay in financial assistance, he attributed it to technical issues and assured that all pending dues would be cleared soon.
“We are proud of his achievement. He comes from a humble background, and we are committed to supporting him. The issue regarding financial assistance will be resolved, and his sister will also receive support once documentation formalities are completed,” Sharma said.
As Yasser prepares to join the national preparatory camp before departing for Uzbekistan, his story has already begun to resonate beyond the boxing ring. For many young athletes in Jammu and Kashmir, his journey serves as a powerful reminder that determination can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
From the modest lanes of Rajouri to the international arena in Tashkent, Yasser now carries not only his own dreams but also the aspirations of a region eager to make its mark on the global sporting stage.
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