Baramulla: The first Kashmiri female champion in Washu, Jabeena Akhter of Tangmarg Baramulla was conferred ‘District Sports Women Award’ by civil administration for her career achievements and contribution in sports at 72nd Independence Day function held at DPL Baramulla on Wednesday.
“It gives me a sense of acknowledgment and honor that my work as sportswoman is being recognized and awarded at my native district, nevertheless I am a winner of Bronze medal at the International Washu Championship which was held in Erevan Amreina,” said Jabeena after receiving the award from Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, who was flanked by GoC 19 Infantry Major General Gulab Singh Rawat and SSP Barmaulla Mir Imtiyaz Hussain.
Jubilant Jabeena dedicated her success to her association and family which she said provided her all kind of support in pursuing her career in sports.
“I am highly indebted to my coach to Kuldeep Hindo who is also state Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Washu Association. Washu is priority sports, I have involved hundreds of girls and Janbazpora stadium was dedicated for training girls in Washu,’ she said
She says that though his class mates have become doctors and engineers, but his family stood by her in making her a promising sportswoman.
“The overall success of an individual depends on many other factors, including hard work, personality and what profession one chooses”, said Jabeena, who has a Masters Degree in Physical Education under her belt, she is also General Secretary of Wushu Association in Baramulla district.
Earlier, a living legend Jabeena had participated in cricket at national level. When asked whom she owes her success, she said “There is no alternative to hard work, it is the only key to success,” she added.
Meanwhile, she urged upon the government to provide proper infrastructure and facilities to the women who are showing interest in Washu Sports.
“Government in the state is not taking Washu Sports as priority sport like rest of the India. Steps must be taken in this regard,” she added,
