Meet Aabida, ‘The Karate-Girl Of Pampore’
Pulwama: A Gold medalist in Tang so doo, silver medalist in judo, gold and silver in Thangta and General Secretary of J&K Thang Sodo Association.
Aabida Mohiddun from Pampore has come all the way to be a trainer to both boys and girls at her Baba Martial art Academy with four offices in Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag. She is 27.
Abida, passionate about martial arts, hit the low of her life when her father passed away.
She had cleared her in twelfth standard exams and was all set to join Bachelor of physical Education in Ghulam Nabi Azad physical college of education in Nagpur Maharashtra.
“I had to dis continue my studies and couldn’t join the college. Financial constraints after fathers demise were too high,” Abida confides.
Her family has mother, six sisters and a brother. Only two are married.
But help came quick, Mohammad Sadiq Hussian owner and principal of Srinagar British International school offered her job as physical education teacher.
“All the time I would think of my dreams being shattered but then the job came as a big relief. I earn a handsome salary, begun my studies and did my degree from Nagpur as well,” Abida says.
The young black belt participated in sqay martial art international matches in Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan continuing her winning streak of gold medalis.
“The big achievement for Thang Sodo sports came when it was recognized by school games federation of India through youth service sports J&K. Recently a team from J&K went to Delhi, in 2017, to play Thang Sodo where they won 16 medals and were first runner while UK was the second runner up of the tourney,” she explained.
Abida’s hat has not dearth of feathers, she was given best fighter award in sqay martial art at Ambala Haryana.
“My coaches have worked hard and that has helped me to achieve. My first coach was from my native village, Nazir Ahmad Mir teaching me Thangtha, and Sqay martial Art. From last four years my coach is Delhi based master Devender dutt,” says Abida.
Aabida is the first girl in valley to own an association named Thang sodo sports Association j&k and has her own martial art academy as well.
“At present 50 students, boys and girls are being trained of Thang So do in Pampore centre,” Abida says, adding that she wishes ‘more girls come forwards and learn the art.
Story by: Mudasir Maqbool
(The INS)
