In 2024, athletes from Kashmir showcased extraordinary talent and achieved significant milestones across various sports, earning praise and bringing immense pride to the region. These talented individuals, hailing from various corners of the valley, have achieved significant milestones, overcoming challenges with unwavering dedication and passion for their respective disciplines.
From cricket to martial arts, and from team sports to individual achievements, their journeys reflect the evergrowing sports culture in Kashmir, inspiring a new generation of athletes. Here’s a look at some of the top sportspersons of Kashmir in 2024 who have made their mark.
Ishfaq Ahmed (Head coach of Real Kashmir FC)
The first name on our 2024 list is the head coach of the Real Kashmir FC, Ishfaq Ahmed. Ahmed achieved great success in Indian football, leading his team to a strong performance in the I-League, where they finished a respectable 5th in the 2023-24 season, and earned praise across the country. Ishfaq helped young local players grow by giving them opportunities to play at a high level. His smart strategies and teamwork helped Real Kashmir win important matches and stay respected as a top football club. Off the field, Ishfaq worked hard to promote football in Kashmir and inspired many young players to follow their dreams.
Currently, Real Kashmir stands 4th in the I-League table and looks set to compete for the title in the new year and earn a spot in the Indian Super League (ISL), which is the top tier of Indian league football.
Rasikh Salam (Cricketer)
In a proud moment for cricket fans from the Valley, Rasikh Salam, the talented pacer from Kashmir, was snapped up by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2025 season. The young speedster, known for his swing and control, was sold during the IPL auction at a significant price of 6 crore, marking another milestone in his promising career.
At 6 crore, he became the most expensive uncapped player at the auction. RCB snapped the pacer following a fierce bidding battle with Sunrisers Hyderabad. The bidding initially halted at INR 2 crore in RCB’s favor, but Delhi Capitals, impressed by the pacer’s performance for them last season, exercised their Right To Match card. However, RCB promptly raised their bid to INR 6 crore, prompting DC to withdraw from the contest.
Kaifa Shah (Wushu)
Kaifa Shah, a talented athlete from Jammu & Kashmir and a student of Presentation Convention HR Secondary School, secured a gold medal in Wushu at the 68th National School Games (SGFI) held in New Delhi from December 9 to 13, 2024. Known for her dedication both on and off the mat, Kaifa has consistently excelled in Wushu while maintaining an outstanding academic record, showcasing her ability to balance sports and studies with remarkable success.
In the 68th U/19 Championship, Kaifa triumphed over top Wushu athletes from across the nation, earning widespread acclaim for her exceptional techniques. Her stellar performance in the Championship has positioned her as one of the most promising martial artists from Kashmir and one of the most successful athletes in Kashmir in 2024.
Amir Ahmad Bhat (Shooting)
At the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, Amir Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Anantnag in Jammu & Kashmir, was selected to represent India at the Paralympic Games in Paris. Serving as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) in the Indian Army, Amir competed in the P3-25m Pistol mixed category at the prestigious event, which took place in Paris in August. Bhat’s international debut came in South Korea, where he earned a bronze medal, just one point shy of Olympic qualification.
Despite failing to clear the qualification round, Bhat demonstrated his skill on the world stage, showcasing his exceptional talent and motivating the youth of the valley despite his disability.
Afreen Hyder (Taekwondo)
Earning a spot in our list is Afreen Hyder, the talented Taekwondo athlete from Kashmir, who has continued to shine on the national and international stage in 2024. One of her notable achievements this year was earning a silver medal at the China Open International Taekwondo Championship, held in Shaoxing, China, where she competed in the under-62kg category. In a fiercely contested final, she narrowly lost to her Chinese opponent, marking a significant milestone in her career.
In addition to her success in China, Hyder also performed impressively at various national tournaments, further establishing herself as one of India’s top Taekwondo athletes.
Owais Yaqoob (MMA)
Owais Yaqoob is the name that has introduced Kashmir to the MMA world. Yaqoob made India proud by clinching a bronze medal at the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation Championship held in the Philippines in July 2022.
The Pulwama-based fighter has shown no signs of easing up in 2024. In March, Yaqoob secured a dominant victory over Afghanistan’s Mohammad Azam Mokhlis at Matrix Fight Night (MFN 14) in Noida, winning by unanimous decision. Following this, he achieved his second international triumph of the year by defeating Kazakhstan’s Amanzhol Khaisa in the lightweight category at the Naiza Fighting Championship (NFC).
Yaqoob’s participation reflects his increasing prominence in the Indian MMA scene. His involvement not only showcases the growing recognition of MMA as a respected sport in India but also highlights the potential of Kashmiri youth in the field.
Bilquis Mir (Water Sports)
In 2024, Bilquis Mir, a distinguished water sports athlete from Kashmir, reached a major career milestone by being appointed as a judge for the prestigious Olympic Games. This achievement marks a significant shift in her career, transitioning from an athlete to a respected authority in the global sports arena.
Along with her role as a jury member at the Paris Olympics, Mir also had the responsibility of coaching the women’s canoeing team that represented India at the Olympic Games.
Mir’s selection for the Olympic jury was a monumental achievement, not just for her, but also for aspiring athletes from Jammu and Kashmir and across India. Her journey acts as a powerful inspiration, motivating young girls to follow their dreams and overcome the obstacles that have historically limited their involvement in sports.
Read More: Kashmiri Athletes Who Can Make it to Olympics in the Future
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
