by Shakir ashraf
SRINAGAR: Syed Taha, 23, is an International Taekwondo player who is likely to become the first-ever National Institute of Sports coach from Kashmir.
Taha’s Taekwondo journey started at the tender age of three which after 20 years has brought him to the position of becoming a coach himself.
He credits success to his coach Syed Ashiq Hussain Bukhari who he says believed and guided him.
Taha says he has remained unbeaten in 20 Taekwondo championships held at Union Territory level, District level and at Divisional level.
“I am doing my training at an indoor stadium and at Pehalwan Sports Club,” Taha said.
Taha has been named as the youngest player at several championships.
“Due to lack of infrastructure in Kashmir I have suffered a lot. There is no qualified NIS coach in Kashmir as well.” he said.
Taha has 12 times won state gold medals and 14 times district gold medals.
He has participated in India Open International Olympic Ranking Championship 2019 held at Gachibowli Stadium Hyderabad India along with Commonwealth Baton Relay 2010 for the Commonwealth Games of 2010.
He says that he has “suffered” a lot because of continuous lockdowns in Kashmir. “I was not able to practice during these lockdowns.”
“In Kashmir valley, there is no qualified NIS coach for Taekwondo that is why we are not able to win in various tournaments. My motive is to qualify for the NIS exam and to train the players in a better way,” Taha said.
He said, “ I don’t want the new generation to face problems which I faced.”
