Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 26: Sadia Tariq from Srinagar’s Bemina has brought laurels to the country following her star performance in Wushu Stars Championship-2022 held in Russia’s Moscow which started on February 22 by securing a Gold medal.
In the Championship, Sadia defeated Russia and Kazakhstan and bagged a Gold medal, which has proven to be a reason of joy not only for her but also for her family and friends.
Sadia-fifteen years old-got involved in the games when she was in class 2nd and started with Taekwondo. However, she later changed her course to Wushu and since then remained two times consecutive gold medallist in Junior National Wushu championship, later also being shortlisted by Wushu Association of India which landed her in Moscow Wushu Stars Championship-2022.
Her father, Tariq Lone told Excelsior that Sadia achieving the feat is a great moment for the family as well as the country and that she has been working hard and tirelessly which has finally led her to tremendous success.
Sadia who is doing her schooling from Presentation Convent Rajbagh clearly remembers the day when she was in her class and came to know about a sports event being held at the School.
“Our fitness teacher gave me a form to fill and to get parental approval. I remember my father telling me that if I am interested then he will support me throughout,” she said.
In 2017, Sadia was selected for the 10th Open National Taekwondo trials and was successful in getting the Silver medal and later participated in several other events where she secured medals.
It was only when she met Kashmir Wushu CEO and chief coach of India, Kuldeep Handoo who encouraged her to switch from Taekwondo to Wushu.
“It was a challenge and I took it head-on and started my training for Wushu and participated in national-level Wushu Championship held in Kolkata and won the Bronze there,” she said.
Amid the COVID pandemic, she remembers her coaches, Maqsood, Rameez, Irfan and Aijaz counselling her, telling her and others to focus on practice sessions while adhering to SOPs.
It was in March 2021, Sadia won a Gold medal at the 2nd Junior National Championship at Haryana. “I don’t want to be a doctor or an engineer, my dream is to represent and win gold for my UT and country in Olympics,” she said.
Her father on the other side said that the family has always been supportive and that parents should let their children, particularly, daughters go for what they want to.
“We never made her feel bound, and let her pursue her dreams, goals and it has been because of the support and the hard work that she has been able to come this far,” he said.
PM, LG congratulate Sadia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha congratulated Sadia Tariq for securing a gold medal in Wushu Stars Championship at Moscow.
In his tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Congratulations to Sadia Tariq on winning the Gold medal at the Moscow Wushu Stars Championship. Her success will inspire many budding athletes. Wishing her the very best for her future endeavours.”
LG Manoj Sinha also took to twitter and congratulated Sadia Tariq on winning Gold in the said championship. “Congratulations to Sadia Tariq from Srinagar on winning Gold in Moscow Wushu Stars championship. She showed great discipline, dedication, talent & mental strength and has done India proud. She is an inspiration for budding sportspersons from UT. I wish Sadia more success in future,” LG tweeted.
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