From Sqay’s Mythical Origins to Afreen Hyder’s Taekwondo Triumph
By: Shakeel Bin Abdul Ali
Kashmir, often referred to as the ‘Paradise on Earth’ is renowned worldwide for its breath-taking natural beauty, including majestic mountains, crystal-clear springs, lush gardens, and captivating tourist destinations. Yet, beyond its scenic wonders, Kashmir boasts a diverse cultural heritage, rich traditions, and a fascinating history. Among the many jewels in this cultural tapestry is the ancient martial art of Sqay. This write up takes you on a journey through time, from the mythological origins of Sqay to its modern resurgence, while also celebrating the recent achievements of Kashmiri athletes in the world of Taekwondo.
The Mythical Beginnings of Sqay
As the misty veil of time shrouds the early history of Kashmir, tales of Sqay emerge from the realms of myth and legend. According to local folklore, Sqay can be traced back several thousand years, possibly to the time of the Kashmiri flood myth. It is believed that the Naga people, who worshipped snakes in the Shaivite tradition, crafted this martial art prior to the Indo-Aryan invasions. Over time, Sqay gained royal patronage and evolved into a formidable defensive skill.
The first documented evidence of Sqay dates back to the Muslim period when writings mentioned Sabre-Fighting in Kashmir. The term “Sqay” itself is believed to originate from Persian, meaning “Knowledge of War.” In its earliest days, Kashmiris used Sqay not only for self-defense but also for hunting animals for sustenance.
Around 3905 BC, King DiyaDev recognized the value of Sqay and began training his soldiers in this martial art to protect Kashmir from external threats. This marked a crucial turning point in the history of Sqay, as it transitioned from a hunting tool to a martial discipline designed to safeguard the region. Even during the turbulent times following the storm of Nuh (AS) in 3889 BC, the survivors in Kashmir’s forests relied on Sqay for their protection and sustenance.
In the era of KashapReshi’s rule, when Kashmir was rebuilt after the Nuh (AS) storm, a democratic government emerged. It was during the reign of King Puran Karan that Sqay was made mandatory training for Kashmiri soldiers. As Kashmir faced numerous challenges and invasions over the centuries, Sqay played a pivotal role in defending the valley. Notably, the martial art was locally known as “Shamsherizen” and was showcased during festivities, marriage functions, and fairs.
Resurgence of Sqay in Modern Times
However, after the year 1819 AD, due to a lack of support from the government, the ancient traditional martial art of Kashmir began to wane, fading into obscurity. It wasn’t until more than three decades ago that Sqay was reintroduced in a modern form by Mr.Nazir Ahmad Mir. His relentless dedication and efforts at a young age led to the revival and transformation of this ancient martial art into modern Sqay Martial Art, complete with modified techniques and international sports competitions.
Grandmaster Nazir embarked on a mission to popularize Sqay not only within Kashmir but also across India and the world. His achievements include numerous National and International awards, showcasing his prowess not only in Sqay but in various martial arts disciplines. The turning point in his journey came when Maharashtra state adopted Sqay after a demonstration by him. Thailand was the first country to embrace Sqay, but the true breakthrough occurred in 2006 when around 20 countries embraced this martial art after a Grandmaster Nazir’s demonstration in Bangladesh.
Today, more than 62 countries, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Cyprus, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Sri Lanka, have embraced Sqay with enthusiasm. Grandmaster Nazir transitioned into coaching youngsters in various martial arts styles he had mastered, including Sqay. The language used in Sqay is Kashmiri, with commands such as play, come, stop, and point counting all conveyed in the native tongue.
Sqay features various weapons, including single and double swords, free hand techniques, and shields. The “Tura,” Sqay’s sword, is constructed from bamboo with a leather cover, while the “Bargula” shield is crafted from leather. The martial art comprises two main events: the combat event known as “Loba” (fighting) and the artistic event. In the artistic event, there are two variations: one without music, called “Khawanky,” and the other with music, known as “Aerosqay.”
The inclusion of Sqay Martial Art in the upcoming 37th edition of the National Games, scheduled to be held in Goa, is a significant milestone and a major boost for athletes from Jammu and Kashmir. This recognition marks a turning point for the martial art fraternity of J&K and the overall sports community. With Sqay’s inclusion, the medal tally and position of J&K in the National Games are set to rise dramatically, providing athletes with added motivation to excel. Additionally, Sqay has found a place in the All India Police Sports Control Board Calendar, further promoting its practice and recognition.
AfreenHyder: A Beacon of Hope
While the legacy of Sqay continues to grow, another remarkable achievement has come to light, this time in the realm of Taekwondo. AfreenHyder, a talented athlete from Srinagar, recently made history by securing the first-ever senior silver medal in Kyorugi, a full-contact sparring discipline, at the 39th National Senior Taekwondo Championship held in Guwahati, Assam.
Afreen’s achievement symbolises the dedication and potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s athletes. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring Taekwondo practitioners in the region and highlights the growing prominence of the sport. Afreen’s silver medal isn’t just a victory in Taekwondo; it’s a testament to the resilience and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Global Journey of Taekwondo
To fully appreciate Afreen’s accomplishment, it is important to understand the history of Taekwondo. Originating in Korea in the early 20th century, Taekwondo draws its roots from ancient Korean martial arts, taekkyeon and subak. Characterized by powerful kicks, precise movements, and a combination of strikes and blocks, Taekwondo has evolved into a full-contact combat sport practiced by millions worldwide.
Taekwondo offers a myriad of benefits, ranging from improved physical fitness and self-defense skills to mental discipline and self-confidence. Its inclusion in the Olympic Games since 2000 has solidified its global recognition and importance.
Taekwondo’s Arrival in India
Taekwondo made its entry into India in the early 1970s when martial artists like Jimmy R. Jagtiani and Puran Andrew Gurung introduced it to the country. Jimmy R. Jagtiani, often called the “Father of Taekwondo in India,” commenced teaching the art in 1975. Puran Andrew Gurung, who studied Taekwondo under Korean Great Grand Master Lee Pyung Pal from 1969 to 1974, initiated Taekwondo classes in Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Sikkim. His
tireless efforts helped spread Taekwondo to various parts of India.
The Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI), established on August 2, 1976, serves as the national governing body for Taekwondo in the country. Affiliated with the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU), and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), TFI has played a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting Taekwondo in India.
India’s Success in Taekwondo
India’s commitment to Taekwondo has resulted in remarkable growth, with over a million registered practitioners across the nation. The sport now has a presence in all 28 states and 7 union territories of India. Moreover, India has produced world-class Taekwondo athletes who have earned medals at prestigious events, including the 2018 Asian Games. This success is a testament to the dedication and passion of Indian Taekwondo practitioners.
Taekwondo’s Flourishing Roots in Jammu and Kashmir
Taekwondo found its way to the picturesque landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir in the early 1970s, thanks to Master Puran Andrew Gurung’s tireless efforts. Gurung’s journey from Hong Kong to Korea, and eventually to teaching Taekwondo in Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Sikkim, and across India, played a crucial role in introducing the martial art to the region.
The Jammu and Kashmir Taekwondo Association has been instrumental in fostering the growth of Taekwondo within the UT. Today, Taekwondo enjoys immense popularity in Jammu and Kashmir, serving as a platform for physical fitness, self-defense, and discipline for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Celebrating Jammu and Kashmir’s Taekwondo Champions
AfreenHyder’s recent silver medal win at the 39th National Senior Taekwondo Championship has shone a spotlight on the emerging talents within the UT. She joins the ranks of notable Taekwondo players like Suhail Ahmad, Irfan Ahmad, and Aqib Ahmad, who have consistently excelled in various levels of competition. This reflects the dedication and passion of these athletes and signals a promising future for Taekwondo in Jammu and Kashmir.
Preserving Local Martial Arts
While Taekwondo has found a cherished place in the hearts of many in Jammu and Kashmir, it is equally important to cherish and preserve the rich local martial arts heritage of the region. Sqay, Kusti, Gatka, each with its unique emphasis on power, agility, and tradition, are integral parts of Kashmiri culture. Promoting and nurturing these local martial arts forms can be a way to connect with our roots and celebrate our unique cultural identity.
Conclusion
AfreenHyder’s remarkable achievement serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit and potential within the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As Taekwondo continues to thrive in the region and our local martial arts traditions are preserved, we have the opportunity to foster a rich cultural tapestry that not only celebrates the achievements of our athletes but also the legacy of our ancestors. This is a journey that, when embraced collectively, can empower us to achieve greater heights and inspire generations to come. AfreenHyder’s silver medal is not just a victory in Taekwondo but a symbol of our resilience and aspirations. In the valley where beauty and culture converge, the triumph of sport and heritage continues to shine brightly.
Kashmir Images is an English language daily newspaper published from Srinagar (J&K), India. The newspaper is one of the largest circulated English dailies of Kashmir and its hard copies reach every nook and corner of Kashmir Valley besides Jammu and Ladakh region.
