Achievement brings pride to Khansahib, inspires youth to embrace sports and stay away from drugs
Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, Aug 9 (JKNS): Kashmiri Taekwondo player and coach Danish Rasool from Khansahib in Budgam district has brought pride to the area after being conferred with the prestigious designation of National Coach/National Instructor at the 7th Taekwondo Hall of Fame 2026.
The honour was conferred by the Advisory Committee of the Taekwondo Hall of Fame India during a function held on August 2, 2026, at the Elora Hotel Banquet Hall in Lucknow.
According to the certificate issued to Danish Rasool, he was appointed as National Coach/National Instructor in recognition of his association with and services to Taekwondo, an international sport.
After returning to Khansahib, Danish received a warm welcome from his family members, friends, fellow players, well-wishers and local residents. Emotional scenes were witnessed as his parents welcomed him home and expressed pride in their son’s achievement.
Speaking on the occasion, Danish Rasool said the achievement was the result of the continuous support and encouragement of his parents, teachers, coaches and well-wishers.
“I received immense support from my parents, teachers and everyone who always encouraged me. This achievement has motivated me to work harder and strive for more honours for my country. I will continue my efforts to bring further recognition to my country in the future,” he said.
Danish Rasool also expressed special gratitude to Syed Sujjad Shah Al-Jawad Sports Academy, which, he said, had continuously supported and encouraged him throughout his sporting journey.
Recalling his early days, Danish said that there was once no formal concept of Taekwondo in Khansahib, but he decided to introduce the sport among local youth. He said he has been continuously associated with Taekwondo for the past five and a half years.
“I first came to know about Taekwondo during my school days when I met my coach. During our interaction, I developed an interest in the sport. I realised that young people should be encouraged to take up sports rather than move towards drugs,” he said.
Danish said his new identity as a National Coach/National Instructor has further strengthened his resolve to promote Taekwondo at the grassroots level in Khansahib and other areas and to encourage young people to choose a positive and constructive path through sports.
Syed Sujjad Shah, Chairman of Al-Jawad Sports Academy, also expressed happiness over Danish Rasool’s achievement and stressed the need to promote sports in Khansahib and adjoining areas.
“Even today, I firmly believe that there is an urgent need to promote sports in Khansahib. Drug abuse is increasing in several villages around us, and our youth are facing various challenges. I appeal to all young people to take up sports, work hard to build a better future and stay completely away from drugs,” he said.
He added that sports not only keep young people physically fit but also develop discipline, self-confidence and the motivation to lead a better life.
A representative associated with Taekwondo said Danish Rasool had earlier also received a Junior Coach certificate from the Taekwondo Hall of Fame, which was presented to him by Grand Master Jimmy R. Jagatiani, who is widely known in Taekwondo circles as the “Father of Taekwondo.”
The representative further said that several other children associated with the academy have also successfully cleared different examinations and obtained certificates and degrees at national and international levels.
“Our objective is to take Taekwondo to every area and every village. We want our coaches to have proper documentation, certification and regular official and professional status so that they can establish Taekwondo centres at the grassroots level in a systematic and professional manner,” the representative said.
The representative also appealed to local public representatives, police authorities, the Indian Army and other concerned institutions and stakeholders to extend their full support to talented youth and sporting initiatives in Khansahib so that the sporting environment in the region can be further strengthened.
Local residents expressed hope that Danish Rasool’s achievement would inspire more young people to take up sports and would bring further recognition to Khansahib, Budgam and Jammu & Kashmir in the field of Taekwondo.
Prominent educationist Fayaz Ahmed congratulated Danish Rasool and described his achievement as a remarkable accomplishment that was difficult to express in words.
“Becoming a National Coach in Taekwondo at such a young age is truly a major achievement and a difficult task. It is not everyone’s cup of tea. Although I do not know much about sports, I can certainly say that Taekwondo is not merely about kicking and punching. It develops endurance, patience and teamwork and teaches many valuable skills for life,” Fayaz Ahmed said.
He said society is currently facing several challenges, with drug addiction being one of the most dangerous evils affecting the younger generation.
Fayaz Ahmed stressed that sports can play an important role in guiding young people towards a healthy, disciplined and constructive life. He urged the youth to make sports a part of their lives and stay away from drugs and all other negative activities. (JKNS)