Bandipora, Feb 8(KNS): Yameen Sports Academy Bandipora has emerged as a key contributor to martial arts excellence in north Kashmir after its athletes won multiple medals at two national-level championships, bringing recognition to the district and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Founded with the aim of promoting sports in far-flung and remote areas of Bandipora, the academy operates under the leadership of its founder Muzaffar Ahmad, an Uttam Bharat Puruskar awardee and professional martial arts coach.
Officials said the academy’s consistent performances at national competitions underline its growing presence in Indian martial arts.
At the Ju-Jitsu National Championship held in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, from December 19 to 23, 2025, athletes from Yameen Sports Academy won a total of 12 medals, including five gold, two silver, and five bronze.
Gold medals were secured by Shakeela Hilal and Umar Altaf in Ne-Waza, Ehsan Aijaz in Fighting, Ulfat Altaf in Contact Fighting, and Sadiya Bashir in Ne-Waza. Silver medals were won by Iqra Yousuf in Contact Fighting and Sadiya Bashir in Fighting.
Bronze medals went to Lone Abdul Basit in Fighting, Momin Nazir in Contact Fighting, Ulfat Altaf in Ne-Waza, and Subaya Shafi, who won bronze medals in both Fighting and Ne-Waza categories. Tawseen Bashir, Sahil Farooq, and Faizan Fayaz also represented the academy at the event.
The academy continued its performance streak at the KUDO Championship held at Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, from February 2 to 4.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe championship was organised by the Kudo Association of Jammu and Kashmir. Iram Afzal won a gold medal, while Saliha Rehman, Ulfat Altaf, Humaira Hassan, Suhail Shameem, and Mohammad Haris secured silver medals. Qasim Shabir and Mohammad Zaid won bronze medals.
Speaking to reporters, Ulfat Altaf, a two-time national-level player, said she has represented the academy in several states and recently won a gold and a bronze medal at the national level, along with a silver medal at the KUDO Championship in Jammu. She credited her parents and coaches for their support.
A parent from Tarkpora, Bandipora, whose daughter recently won a gold medal at the national level, expressed gratitude to the academy’s founder and coaches for their guidance and training.
Coach Ibrahim Bhat said the academy’s mission has been to promote sports activities in remote areas of the district. He said the academy has established multiple training units across Bandipora, including Nadihal, Quil Muqam, Tarkpora, Nusoo, and nearby areas.
He also acknowledged the support of the Indian Army in encouraging sports and positive engagement among youth. Officials expressed hope that the academy’s achievements would inspire more young athletes from the region to pursue sports at competitive levels.(KNS).