In the midst of turmoil and violence, a glimmer of hope emerges from the determined spirit of young girls in Kashmir.

Shutdowns and curfews are routine, violence a part of daily life in Kashmir. However, amid these challenges, many women are shattering stereotypes, particularly in male-dominated fields. In this case, the inspiring Kashmiri women are turning to martial arts and excelling in their pursuits.

Sadia Tariq, 15, made headlines in 2022 when she clinched a gold medal at the Moscow Wushu Stars Championship, a feat that brought immense pride to not only Kashmir but also India.

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Tariq’s extraordinary journey began in the third grade when she first embraced wushu (also known as kung fu). Despite numerous obstacles, she has become an international champion, proving that resilience knows no bounds.

“I have encountered numerous struggles, and they have taught me valuable lessons,” she said. “My aspiration is to achieve international recognition and compete in the Olympics to silence those who doubted my capabilities.”

Her triumph in Moscow not only brought joy to Kashmir, but has also inspired countless young girls in the region to break societal barriers and pursue sports for empowerment, self-defense and personal growth.

Tariq’s story is a beacon of hope for a religiously conservative and conflict-torn society, where daily violence casts a dark shadow. Her success resonates as a call to action for young girls — encouraging them to dream big and face adversity head-on.

“I am totally into sports now,” Tariq said. “If anybody asks me to take a day off, I plainly refuse and do not want to miss even a day’s training.”

The support around Tariq — from coaches to the sports council and her parents — emphasizes the collaborative effort needed to create an environment where young talent can flourish. Her presence at the top has given great happiness to people in conflict-riddled Kashmir, offering up a respite.

Tariq has battled societal issues and become a role model for many young girls in Kashmir, inspiring them to take up sports in a big way. Her journey is not just a personal victory but a transformative narrative that challenges stereotypes and offers a path to empowerment in the face of adversity.

Kashmir had acceded to India at the time of the country’s independence in 1947 rather than merging with a Muslim Pakistan under a constitutional provision called Article 370 that allowed a semi-autonomous rule in Kashmir. Nearly 7 million people live in the Kashmir Valley, 97% of them Muslims. About 47,000 people have been killed in conflict, mainly between Indian security forces and Kashmiri separatists in the last three decades, according to government figures. In the 1990s, many Kashmiri Hindus fled for their lives and settled outside Kashmir in places like Jammu and Delhi.

On Aug. 5, 2019, the Indian Parliament unilaterally revoked Article 370, ending Kashmir’s special status in the Indian Union. The region was split into two federally administered territories and brought under a direct rule of New Delhi. A communication blackout in Kashmir was simultaneously enforced by the government. The internet and phone calling was suspended which was later restored in a phased manner.

The Iron Fist Academy’s martial arts revolution

In the heart of Srinagar, the Iron Fist Academy stands as a beacon of empowerment, playing a pivotal role in transforming the lives of young girls in Kashmir.

For almost a decade, this institution has been at the forefront, training girls and not just arming them with physical prowess but also instilling mental strength.

Isra Bint Qaisar, 16, is a testament to the academy's impact. Discovering serenity and focus through martial arts, Qaisar found in it the values of patience and discipline, shaping her into a composed and empowered individual.

“In these nine years, there has been a big difference,” Qaisar said. “Martial arts taught me discipline, improved my willpower, and raised my self-confidence. I became extremely patient and developed mental stability on how to tackle any situation.”

Her journey into martial arts was sparked by an incident where she bravely stood up against boys who were teasing her in the school canteen. This transformative experience solidified her determination to master the art, propelling her towards self-improvement and empowerment.

“I was in (primary school) when some boys tried to snatch my purse," Qaisar recalled. “I punched and kicked in self-defense. A big crowd gathered — I was just a student of third standard, and the boys were in ninth standard.”

The academy — led by the passionate scientist-turned-martial-arts-instructor Peerzada Adil Shah — aims to provide a platform for the youth of Kashmir. Shah believes that martial arts offer more than just self-defense; they contribute to holistic development.

“The included games comprise sports such as taekwondo, judo, karate and jujitsu,” Shah recalled. “We provide instruction in both self-defense and sports. While sports offer a controlled environment, they can also serve as a means of self-defense at a more advanced level.”

Despite significant challenges faced by the academy due to consecutive lockdowns and the recent pandemic, practice sessions resumed in 2022. Special Sunday sessions are dedicated to helping girls compensate for the lost training opportunities during the lockdown.

Qaisar expressed gratitude for her family’s unwavering support.

“I have seen many players who don’t get any support from their families, neither moral nor financial, but I am thankful and blessed that my family has always supported me to realize my dreams and pursue me to chase my dreams,” he said.

The Iron Fist Academy's resilience in the face of adversity and its commitment to empowering young girls through martial arts exemplify the transformative impact such initiatives can have on individuals and communities.

Martial arts empowerment on the streets of Kashmir

The transformative power of martial arts is not confined to the academy’s walls.

Adla Shabir, a college student, and her sister vividly illustrated the effectiveness of their training when they fearlessly confronted a group of boys harassing them.

The boys, no match for their confidence and skills, never dared to approach the academy again.

“We three sisters were riding a two-wheeler when some boys started abusing us,” Shabir said. “My sister slapped one boy, and he fell down. His accomplice tried to attack me; I punched him in the stomach. A lot of people gathered, including some boys and women who questioned our actions, but we didn’t care. We thought he had abused us and had to be taught a lesson. I am sure he will still be very depressed by the slap of my sister.”

Shabir attributes her courage and ability to handle the situation to the sense of empowerment gained through her martial arts training.

“Our martial arts trainer has instilled in us the understanding that we cannot prevent unfortunate events from occurring in society, but we must stand up against them,” she said.

This real-life incident exemplifies the broader impact of martial arts, moving beyond self-defense skills to instill a sense of confidence and empowerment. The ability of these young women to stand up against harassment reflects not only their personal growth but also the societal shift fostered by initiatives like the Iron Fist Academy.

As stories like Shabir’s emerge, the ripple effect of martial arts training becomes evident, reaching far beyond the academy's curriculum. The empowerment gained within those walls becomes a powerful force shaping the lives of individuals and influencing societal attitudes, one confident and skilled practitioner at a time.

In the shadows of escalating crime against women in Kashmir, the National Crime Records Bureau reveals a disturbing 10% increase in such incidents in 2020. Dowry deaths, domestic violence, assault and acts intended to outrage modesty stain the region’s landscape. However, amid all these alarming trends, a glimmer of hope emerges as special events promoting sports and recreation take center stage.

Initiatives encouraging young athletes, especially girls, to train in natural settings like forests and mountains are gaining momentum. These events, designed to foster competition while building physical and mental resilience, play a crucial role in combating the distressing crime rates.

Short marathons and various sports categories not only motivate the youth but also assess their strength and capabilities. Winners are determined by points, creating a culture of physical activity and empowerment.

Martial arts are swiftly gaining popularity among Kashmiri girls, providing them with the tools needed to confront rising crime rates. Their transformative journey becomes a testament to the power of sports in fostering resilience, empowerment and unity, even in the face of conflict.

As these young athletes continue to make strides, they not only bring honor to themselves but also shine a light on the indomitable spirit of Kashmir. In a region grappling with adversity, their rise signifies a hopeful chapter, illustrating how sports can be a catalyst for positive change.

In the pages of Kashmir's narrative, these empowered young athletes are becoming agents of change, inspiring others to fearlessly pursue their dreams and demonstrating the transformative potential of sports in overcoming societal challenges.

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Zaffar Iqbal is a journalist based in Kashmir, India. He has reported for 18 years on armed encounters, environmental issues, crime, politics, culture and human rights. He’s formerly the bureau chief of Jammu-Kashmir for NDTV.