Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 6: A young Wushu player who has excelled in the game by representing J&K at various national-level championships demanded a practice centre in Baramulla for the convenience of athletes.
Sofiya Hila, a class 5 student from Sopore in North Kashmir’s Baramulla, who has secured gold in various national championships, expressed that the absence of a dedicated practice centre forces her and several other players to travel a considerable distance daily.
“We have a Khelo India Wushu Centre in Handwara and nothing in Baramulla in terms of sports facilities, due to which I have to travel a distance that consumes much time and creates issues for me,” she said.
Despite facing challenges, Sofiya has excelled in the game, earning 2 gold medals in national and state championships. “I have been going on for the last few years and dream of representing India at the Olympics to showcase my skills,” she added.
While detailing her achievements, she mentioned playing in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh, bringing laurels to J&K besides participating at the State/UT level.
“Throughout this journey, people have shown their support, but certain issues make continuing with the game a bit difficult, and for that, I am in need of support. My father is a salesman at a drugstore, but he ensures that I study well and simultaneously follow my passion for the game,” she explained.
Sofiya acknowledged the support from the administration and authorities at the J&K Sports Council during her journey, however she desires for more so that she, along with other athletes could achieve
“There is a lot I want to achieve, and for that, sportspersons like me need the necessary support. The LG administration has been doing a lot, and it must do more so that we can excel further.”
One of her relatives talked about the courage and steadfastness Sofiya has displayed over the years. “If she is provided with the necessary facilities, she will, for sure, achieve more; touch new heights and bring laurels to J&K.”
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