In 2024, social media has become a key platform for athletes to connect with fans and showcase their talents. For Kashmiri athletes, Instagram has played a big role in building their brands and inspiring others. With sports in Kashmir growing in popularity, several athletes have gained large followers on Instagram.
This article highlights the most followed Kashmiri athletes on Instagram in 2024, focusing on their achievements and their impact on and off the field.
Danish Manzoor (taekwondo)
Danish Manzoor is an Indian national taekwondo player from the Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir. He has represented India in the World Taekwondo Octagon Diamond G4 Olympic Ranking and the Israel Open G2 Olympic Ranking Championships, which were held in Gangwon, South Korea, and Ramla, Israel. In 2019, he was also one of the top competitors at the “International Olympic Ranking G1 Championship” held in Hyderabad.
Contribution to Indian Taekwondo:
Danish Manzoor is part of India’s growing taekwondo community and has contributed to raising the profile of the sport in India. His dedication to the sport has inspired many young athletes to take up taekwondo and aim for international recognition.
Social Media and Popularity:
Danish Manzoor is also known for his social media presence, where he shares his training routines, match highlights, and motivational posts. He has used these platforms to engage with fans and promote the sport of taekwondo, especially among youth in India. He has 20K followers on his Instagram.
Though not as widely recognized as athletes from more mainstream sports, Danish’s contributions to taekwondo have been significant, and he is considered a rising star in the discipline within India.
Fiza Nazir (MMA)
Fiza Nazir is an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter from Kashmir, known for her remarkable achievements in the world of combat sports. She has made a name for herself as one of the first women from Kashmir to compete professionally in MMA, a sport that has traditionally been male-dominated.
Achievements:
- Fiza has gained recognition for her skill set in various martial arts disciplines, including striking and grappling.
- She has competed in multiple national and international MMA events, earning praise for her technique, strength, and determination.
- Her journey has inspired many young women in Kashmir and across India to take up MMA and other combat sports.
Contribution to MMA:
Fiza Nazir is one of the pioneering female athletes in Kashmir to take part in MMA, helping to break barriers for women in the region. Her success story has become an inspiration for many aspiring athletes, particularly women, to pursue careers in sports that require mental toughness and physical discipline.
Fiza’s rise in the world of MMA is proof of her dedication and the growing popularity of combat sports in India, especially among women.
She has 21.8K followers on her Instagram.
Nadiya Nighat (Football)
Nadiya Nighat is a renowned female footballer from Kashmir, known for her contributions to the sport in the region. She has gained recognition for her talent, dedication, and achievements in football, particularly in women’s football.
Achievements:
- Nadiya has represented Jammu and Kashmir in several national football tournaments, including the Indian Women’s Football Championship.
- She has been a key player for the Jammu & Kashmir women’s football team, showcasing her skills in various state-level and national competitions.
- Nadiya has also been part of All India Football Federation (AIFF) programs, which focus on developing young talent in women’s football.
Contribution to Football:
Nadiya Nighat is considered one of the leading female footballers from Kashmir, helping to raise the profile of women’s football in the region. Through her performances and dedication, she has inspired many young women in Kashmir to pursue football as a career.
Her achievements and passion for the sport have made her a role model for aspiring athletes, especially in a region where women’s participation in sports is gradually gaining recognition. Nadiya continues to work towards making football a mainstream sport for women in Kashmir. 34.6K people follows Nighat on her Instagram.
Umer Rashid (Bodybuilding)
Umer Rashid is a well-known bodybuilder from Kashmir who has made significant strides in the fitness and bodybuilding world. His journey from a fitness enthusiast to a competitive bodybuilder has inspired many, especially in Kashmir, where bodybuilding is growing in popularity.
Achievements:
- National Level Competitions: Umer Rashid has competed in various bodybuilding championships and has earned recognition in several high-ranking bodybuilding competitions at the national level.
- Bodybuilding Titles: He has won multiple Mr. Jammu & Kashmir titles and participated in events like the Mr. India competition, showcasing his strength and physique.
- Transformation Story: Umer is known for his remarkable body transformation, which he often shares on social media. His journey from an ordinary individual to a competitive bodybuilder is an inspiration for many aspiring athletes in Kashmir and beyond.
Influence Through Instagram:
- Fitness Inspiration: Umer’s Instagram is filled with his workout routines, fitness tips, and motivational content. He regularly posts about his daily routines, diet plans, and the discipline required to succeed in bodybuilding.
- Influence on Youth: Umer has used his social media platform to promote fitness and healthy living, encouraging young people in Kashmir to take up bodybuilding and lead healthier lifestyles.
- Brand Collaborations: Through his Instagram presence, Umer has attracted brand endorsements and collaborations, promoting fitness products and gym equipment.
He counts 44.9K followers on Instagram.
Imran Tiger (Calisthenics)
The first certified calisthenics athlete hailing from Kashmir originates from the Gurez region of Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir. He has built a reputation not only for his physical abilities but also for his commitment to fitness and promoting a healthy lifestyle in Kashmir.
Achievements:
- Calisthenics Certification: Tiger’s certification as a calisthenics athlete places him among the top in his field, as he is recognized for his technical skills, strength, and mastery over bodyweight exercises like pull-ups, push-ups, and muscle-ups.
- Fitness Competitions: He has participated in and won various local and national-level competitions in the calisthenics community, gaining recognition for his performance and discipline.
- Training: As a trainer, Tiger Official has coached many aspiring athletes, helping them master the art of bodyweight training and improve their fitness.
Influence Through Instagram:
- Fitness Community Growth: Through his Instagram presence, Tiger Official has helped grow the fitness community in Kashmir. His posts often highlight the benefits of bodyweight training and promote the importance of staying healthy.
- Brand Endorsements and Partnerships: Due to his influence, Tiger has attracted partnerships and collaborations with fitness brands and products, promoting equipment, supplements, and health-related services.
- Fitness Motivation: Tiger Official is known for sharing his intense training routines, calisthenics challenges, and fitness tips on Instagram. His posts not only showcase his achievements but also offer valuable insights into bodyweight exercises.
- Inspiring Youth: His Instagram is a source of motivation for young people, particularly in Kashmir, who are inspired by his discipline and fitness journey. He encourages them to pursue fitness and calisthenics as a lifestyle choice.
Danish Farooq Bhat (Footballer)
Danish Farooq Bhat is a professional footballer from Kashmir who has gained recognition for his skills and achievements in the world of football. He is known for his talent, playing style, and contribution to the growth of football in the Kashmir region.
Danish Farooq plays for top-tier Indian football clubs and has represented Jammu & Kashmir at various national levels, he plays as a Center Midfielder (CM) for Kerala Blasters.
Achievements:
- National Competitions: Danish has competed in several prestigious football tournaments, including the I-League and Santosh Trophy, where he has showcased his skills and abilities as a versatile midfielder/forward.
- Club Success: He has played for various clubs in India, gaining attention for his technical abilities, vision on the field, and goal-scoring potential.
- Youth Development: Danish has been involved in promoting football at the grassroots level in Kashmir, aiming to encourage young talent to pursue professional football.
Influence Through Instagram:
- Motivation and Inspiration: With a significant number of Instagram followers, Danish uses his platform to motivate young aspiring footballers in Kashmir and across India. He shares his football journey, training routines, and personal experiences to inspire the youth to follow their dreams.
- Engagement with Fans: On Instagram, Danish regularly posts about his matches, behind-the-scenes moments, and life as a professional athlete. His interactions with fans and followers further enhance his influence.
- Promoting Football in Kashmir: Danish’s presence on Instagram has helped bring attention to football in Kashmir, encouraging more young people from the region to pursue the sport seriously. He also promotes a healthy lifestyle and discipline, which resonates with his followers.
He has 107K followers on his Instagram account.
Rasikh Salam (Crickter)
Rasikh Salam is a talented cricketer from Kashmir who has made a significant mark in Indian domestic cricket. He is a fast bowler known for his pace, accuracy, and promising future in the sport. He made his IPL debut in 2019 his first contract, valued at INR 20 lakh, was indicative of his raw talent but limited experience at the professional level. Salam’s inclusion in MI’s squad was largely seen as an opportunity to groom a young pace prospect.
The Kulgam-born pacer secured his place in the RCB squad for a whopping INR 6 crore, he is expected to shine in the RCB jersey alongside left-arm pacer Yash Dayal.
Achievements:
- Indian Premier League (IPL): Rasikh Salam made his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2019, playing for the Mumbai Indians. His inclusion in such a prestigious league at a young age highlighted his potential and talent.
- Domestic Cricket: He has represented Jammu & Kashmir in various domestic competitions, including the Ranji Trophy. His impressive performances in domestic cricket, particularly with the ball, have earned him recognition.
- Early Success: Rasikh made headlines when he became one of the youngest cricketers from Kashmir to play at the national level, quickly becoming a role model for aspiring cricketers from the region.
Rasikh Salam’s rise in the world of cricket has been inspirational for young athletes, especially in Kashmir, where cricket continues to grow in popularity. He has 124K followers on Instagram.
Owais Yaqoob (MMA, Kickboxing)
Owais Yaqoob is a professional martial artist from Kashmir, known for his expertise in combat sports. He has gained recognition for his skills and achievements in martial arts, especially in disciplines like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and kickboxing.
Owais specializes in MMA, which combines various martial arts techniques such as striking, grappling, and submissions. He has also excelled in kickboxing, a sport that focuses on using the legs and fists for strikes.
Achievements:
- Martial Arts Competitions: Owais has competed in numerous national and international martial arts events, securing several medals and titles. His skills in MMA and kickboxing have earned him a place among the top athletes in the sport from Kashmir.
- MMA and Kickboxing Titles: He has achieved significant success in national-level MMA tournaments and kickboxing competitions, earning recognition for his strength, technique, and determination.
- Promotion of Martial Arts: Owais Yaqoob has been instrumental in promoting martial arts in Kashmir, where the sport is still growing in popularity. His achievements have inspired many young athletes in the region to take martial arts seriously.
Owais Yaqoob’s career in martial arts has made him a role model for aspiring athletes in Kashmir, especially in combat sports. He is the most followed athlete of Kashmir on Instagram, his Instagram has 208K followers.
Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
