Bandipora: With a clear mission to promote sports in far-flung and remote areas of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, Yameen Sports Academy Bandipora has emerged as a rising centre of martial arts excellence. Under the leadership of its founder, Mr Muzaffar Ahmad, an Uttam Bharat Puruskar Awardee and professional martial arts coach, the academy’s athletes delivered outstanding performances at two prestigious national-level championships, bringing laurels to Bandipora district and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
At the Ju-Jitsu National Championship held in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, from December 19 to 23, 2025, the Bandipora contingent created history by winning an impressive total of 12 medals, including 5 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze. The remarkable achievement reflected the athletes’ high level of skill, discipline, and determination, and highlighted the academy’s consistent presence on the national stage.
The gold medals were won by Shakeela Hilal (Ne-Waza), Umar Altaf (Ne-Waza), Ehsan Aijaz (Fighting), Ulfat Altaf (Contact Fighting), and Sadiya Bashir (Ne-Waza). Silver medals were secured by Iqra Yousuf (Contact Fighting) and Sadiya Bashir (Fighting). The bronze medal winners included Lone Abdul Basit (Fighting), Momin Nazir (Contact Fighting), Ulfat Altaf (Ne-Waza), and Subaya Shafi, who claimed bronze medals in both Fighting and Ne-Waza categories. Tawseen Bashir, Sahil Farooq, and Faizan Fayaz also represented the team with notable performances.
Maintaining their winning momentum, the academy’s athletes further excelled at the KUDO Championship held at Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, from February 2 to 4. The event was organised by the Kudo Association of Jammu and Kashmir. Iram Afzal clinched a gold medal, while Saliha Rehman, Ulfat Altaf, Humaira Hassan, Suhail Shameem, and Mohammad Haris won silver medals. Qasim Shabir and Mohammad Zaid added bronze medals to the academy’s growing tally.
Speaking to the media, Ulfat Altaf, a two-time national player from Yameen Sports Academy, said she has represented the academy in several states and recently won a gold and a bronze medal at the national level. She also secured a silver medal at the recent KUDO Championship in Jammu. Sharing her journey, Ulfat said that as a female athlete she faced many challenges and discouraging remarks, but remained determined to move forward. “I stayed strong and believed in myself, and that is what made today’s success possible,” she said, crediting her parents and especially her coaches for their constant support and guidance.
A proud parent of Tarkpora Bandipora also expressed happiness over his daughter’s achievements, stating that she recently represented the state and won a gold medal. He said the success was made possible due to the dedicated efforts of the academy’s founder, Mr Muzaffar Ahmad, and coaches Amina and Ibrahim, to whom he expressed deep gratitude for guiding his daughter to this level.
Coach of Yameen Sports Academy Bandipora, Ibrahim Bhat, said he felt proud of his students for representing the state and the nation within a short span of time and for winning multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals in Ju-Jitsu and KUDO. He thanked Almighty Allah for the strong performances of his students both within and outside the Union Territory.
He further stated that the core mission of Yameen Sports Academy has always been to promote sports activities in far-flung and remote areas of the district. “Today, I feel we have succeeded, as we have established several academy units across Bandipora, including Nadihal, Quil Muqam, Tarkpora, Nusoo, and other adjoining remote areas,” he said.
Ibrahim Bhat added that the academy remains committed to supporting young athletes and acknowledged the valuable encouragement and cooperation extended by the Indian Army, which has played a supportive role in promoting sports, discipline, and positive engagement among the youth.
From modest training halls to national podiums, the success of Yameen Sports Academy Bandipora stands as a powerful example of hard work, resilience, and collective effort, inspiring a new generation of athletes across the district.
