Kashmir’s Taha Masoodi wins Bronze at 5th Junior World Pencak Silat C’ship

Ahmed Taha Masoodi proudly holding National flag on the podium with fellow winners after winning bronze at the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Ahmed Taha Masoodi proudly holding National flag on the podium with fellow winners after winning bronze at the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 31: Ahmed Taha Masoodi, a promising martial artist from Srinagar, has brought immense pride to the country by winning a bronze medal at the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The Championship featured over 1,100 athletes from 55 countries, making it one of the most competitive tournaments in the sport. Ahmed’s remarkable performance stood out among the best athletes globally, highlighting the growing presence of Indian talent in Pencak Silat.
This achievement comes on the heels of Ahmed’s incredible performance in November 2024, where he secured four gold medals across two national-level Pencak Silat Championships. These victories helped build momentum for his success on the world stage, cementing his reputation as one of India’s brightest young talents in martial arts.
Despite limited resources and facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, Ahmed’s passion for Pencak Silat has driven him to excel. His journey has been supported by his family and the dedicated mentorship of his coach, Mohd Iqbal, who has been instrumental in his development.
The championship, organized by the International Pencak Silat Federation, saw strong competition from Pencak Silat powerhouses like Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Ahmed’s bronze medal performance earned him admiration from both his peers and spectators alike.
Expressing his gratitude, Ahmed thanked his family and coaches for their unwavering support. His success serves as a source of inspiration for young athletes, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, proving that determination, passion, and support can lead to global recognition.