Jammu and Kashmir: Ayesha Zuhoor, a student of Sports Academy, has showcased an extraordinary will to practice martial arts barefooted during heavy snowfall and in the cold weather of Jammu and Kashmir.

In her words, Ayesha said, “We don’t want to stop. We Want to keep doing our practice even after all the hardships while barring all odds”.

She added, “we want to represent our country and take its name forward to new heights, we don’t have the indoor practice facility, but still, we have the courage and will to continue and become an Olympic player.”

Ayesha further pointed out the step being taught to her and stated, “Steps taught for our self-defence, and here we are; I want to call all the girls to participate and play this game as it will keep them away from distractions such as drug addiction.”

Furthermore, another student from the sports academy, Shafia Wani, conveyed, “We want to play and pursue martial arts and earn medals for our country and Kashmir at global tournaments and levels; hence we are practising hard in every condition and heavy snowfall.”

She also pointed out, “We want to prove that boys are not the only ones who can play such games, but girls can too. We are not willing to miss a single day of practice as we aim to make our parents’ dreams come true.”

On his part, the trainer of the sports academy, Sayeed Sujha Shah, pointed out the weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir and stated that there was a very heavy snowfall yesterday in the region, in spite of which, the girls called him and asked for a practice session in the snow and was told that they do not want to be left behind.

Moreover, coach Sayeed Shah explained that the academy’s girls have a lot of zeal and passion towards the game and the sheer will to excel and succeed with stamina.

He added, “the snow is very cold, and it is not easy to practice in such conditions barefooted; I want to request every student to continue practising if it rains and snows.”

In the end, he called on the state’s government to build needed infrastructure and facilities for the girls and focus on turning them into national athletes to achieve success and win medals for the nation. “We will keep practising,” said Shah.