How a father-daughter duo put Pampore on the global martial arts map

The cold January morning in Pampore is thick with mist, but that had never stopped Muqadas Muskan from training. On the uneven ground, with no roof overhead, she moves with precision—each strike, each stance a result of years of hard work.

Devoid of the luxury of an indoor stadium and just the biting chill of dawn for company, sheer determination has carried her this far.

That very resolve took Muqadas Muskan and her father, Sajad Ahmad Bhat, to victory in Abu Dhabi at the 5th Junior and 20th Senior Pencak Silat World Championship in December last year, where the father-daughter duo clinched gold medals for India.

Competing against athletes from 57 countries, Muskan dominated the junior category while Sajad secured gold in the senior category—turning their shared passion for martial arts into a legacy.

"In my final fight, I defeated my German opponent and won gold," said Muskan, to The Bridge. Her father, meanwhile, competing in the senior category, also emerged victorious, making their victories even more special.

A journey fraught with hardship

Muskan’s journey into Pencak Silat, an Indonesian martial art form, began in 2012 when she first competed at the district and state levels. By 2014, she had made her national debut in Haryana and later represented India internationally, winning multiple medals. But this championship, she says, was different.

"Pencak Silat has a bright future, and I am grateful to my coaches who have trained me since 2012, as well as our sports council for providing us with the necessary equipment," she said.

But while Muskan and Sajad have put Pampore on the global martial arts map, their struggle continues. Pampore lacks an indoor training facility, and training outdoors remains a challenge, especially in Kashmir’s extreme weather.

Both athletes, therefore, urge the government to build an indoor stadium, ensuring that future generations can train without obstacles.

"In winters, the fog was dense, and we had to practice in the open. The cold made it even more difficult, but we had no other choice. It was very challenging," she said.

Beyond the physical struggles, she also faced societal criticism.

"People would say, ‘She’s a girl, why is she in this field?’ To stop them from questioning me, I had to win a gold medal and prove myself," she said.

Muskan recalls the joy she felt upon winning the gold medal, a moment that filled her with pride.

"I felt very joyful at the moment when I received gold. My coach was my father, but it's not like he gave me special treatment. The training was equal for everyone in our academy," she said.

Inspired by many

Her journey in martial arts was shaped not only by her father's guidance but also by the influence of her seniors and her dedicated coach, Iqbal Sir.

"In martial arts, my father was my first inspiration, but my seniors and my coach, Iqbal Sir, also played a huge role in shaping me," she said.

She draws inspiration from the legendary boxer Mary Kom as well. "I admire Mary Kom not only for being a champion boxer but for her relentless hard work. I want to work as hard as she did to achieve success," she said.

She is now preparing for the upcoming Women’s Pencak Silat League, which will be held in Agra on February 8, her eyes set on a bigger dream—the Olympics.

"My aim is to participate in the Olympics and win gold," she said.

For Sajad Ahmad Bhat, martial arts is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. His journey began in the 1990s, when martial arts had little recognition in Kashmir.

"I was fond of martial arts since childhood. Even now, it runs through my veins. I started practicing martial arts at a time when there was no concept of it here. Now, Pampore has become a hub of martial arts," said Sajad Ahmad Bhat.

Over the years, he trained in karate, judo, and Thang-Ta, and eventually embraced Pencak Silat when it was introduced. He recalls how martial arts was once banned in Kashmir, a time when Kashmir’s conflict had put sports under restrictions.

"We faced many difficulties because of the hostile environment in Kashmir. Martial arts was banned, and we were not allowed to play. Later, the government realized that we had a right motive and that martial arts could be the future for the upcoming generation, so the ban was lifted," he said.

Passing the baton

Sajad’s lifelong dedication to martial arts deeply influenced his children, who grew up watching him train and compete at various levels. Inspired by his passion and discipline, they naturally gravitated toward the sport.

"My children used to watch me play at district, state, and national levels. They were fascinated by martial arts, and their interest kept growing. So, I introduced them to the sport by enrolling them in district championships, and they gradually started excelling," he said.

His youngest daughter, just six years old, has already won a gold medal in mixed boxing in Delhi, following in the footsteps of her father and elder sister.

"When Muskan was selected for the junior category and I for the senior category, we made a promise to each other—to win gold. After she won, she looked at me and said, ‘Now, it's your turn.’ That became my motivation. I worked hard, and I won gold too," he said.

Both Muskan and Sajad believe that Kashmir has immense talent, but lack of facilities holds back aspiring athletes.

"We need an indoor stadium in Pampore so that children can train without difficulties," Muskan said.

Kashmir’s rising unemployment has pushed many young people toward uncertain futures. But Sajad Ahmad Bhat believes that sports can be a powerful alternative.

He stresses that engaging in sports not only builds discipline and a strong future but also keeps youth away from harmful distractions and negative influences.

"Many youngsters are getting involved in drugs, and many are unemployed. If they take part in sports like martial arts, it will brighten their future. We request the government to provide proper facilities so that more children can represent India," Sajad said.

Their story is a testament to resilience, passion, and breaking barriers. As they continue their journey, they hope their success will inspire more young athletes in Kashmir to chase their dreams—despite the odds.