Bandipora June 02 (KNS): When 22-year-old karate player and coach Rifat Shafi stood on the victory podium in Kathmandu, Nepal, holding the Indian tricolour high after winning a gold medal at the 12th Mt. Everest International Karate Championship 2026, it was more than a personal achievement. It was a proud moment for Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir, and the entire country.
A 10-time national medalist, Rifat clinched the gold medal in the 50-kg category, defeating opponents from Japan, Bangladesh and Nepal to finish unbeaten with three victories in three fights. For the young athlete, representing India on an international stage was a dream come true.
"I was very excited because I was representing India. It was a very big moment for me," she said while recalling the emotional moment on the podium.
What makes her achievement even more remarkable is that Rifat is not only an athlete but also a coach. She runs her own training centre, Mystic Sports Academy, where she trains young karate players and encourages girls to take up sports. One of her students also won a silver medal at the championship, adding to the academy’s success.
Rifat’s journey in karate began when she was just 13 years old. Drawn towards sports from a young age, she developed a passion for martial arts and never looked back. Over the years, she worked tirelessly to sharpen her skills while overcoming numerous challenges, emerging as a 10-time national medalist before claiming international glory.
She credits her family, especially her parents, for standing by her throughout her journey.
"My family has always supported me. Whatever I have achieved today is because of their encouragement and belief in me," she said.
The road to Nepal was itself a test of determination. Due to financial and travel difficulties, the team spent nearly five days travelling by road to reach the championship venue. The sacrifices were significant, including celebrating Eid away from home while travelling.
"The biggest challenge was reaching Nepal. We travelled for several days by road, and that was not easy," she said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
On the competition mat, Rifat faced some of the toughest opponents of her career. Her opening bout against a Japanese player proved to be the most challenging encounter of the tournament. However, she displayed confidence, skill and determination to emerge victorious and continue her winning run.
Despite winning an international gold medal, Rifat believes that female athletes in Kashmir continue to face social barriers.
"The biggest challenge for girls in sports is dealing with people's comments and criticism. Parents should support their daughters and allow them to follow their dreams," she said.
She urged young girls not to be discouraged by negativity and to focus on their goals.
"Ignore what people say. Work hard, believe in yourself and aim to represent India at national and international levels," she advised.
Rifat also highlighted the lack of sponsorship and financial support available to athletes from Kashmir. She said many talented players struggle to participate in major competitions because of limited resources.
Looking ahead, her ambitions remain high. The gold medal has only strengthened her resolve to achieve more.
"My next target is the Asian Championships. I want to continue representing India and help more girls reach the international stage," she said.
For Rifat, the gold medal is not just a trophy; it is a symbol of years of dedication, sacrifice and perseverance. It is also proof that talent from Bandipora can shine on the world stage when given the right opportunities.
As the young champion returns home with international gold around her neck, her success stands as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Kashmir, especially young girls who dream of making their mark in sports.
From a small town in Bandipora to the international podium in Nepal, Rifat Shafi’s journey is a powerful reminder that determination, family support and hard work can turn dreams into reality.(KNS)