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Pulwama’s Owais Yaqoob shines globally, wins MMA championship in China

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Young fighter’s achievement inspires youth of J&K

Pulwama: In a moment of pride for Jammu and Kashmir, Owais Yaqoob, a young Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter from Pulwama, has brought laurels to the country by winning the prestigious MMA championship in China.

His victory has not only highlighted his personal grit and determination but also put the spotlight on the sporting potential of youth from the Valley.

Owais, who hails from a modest family in Murran Pulwama, trained tirelessly over the years to make his mark in combat sports. His journey from local gyms to the international arena has been filled with challenges, but his perseverance and commitment helped him script history in China.

After his win, an elated Owais said, “This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to my parents, my trainers, and every youngster back home who dreams big despite limited resources. I want to show the world that Kashmiri youth are full of talent and can excel globally if given the right opportunities.”

Back in Pulwama, his family and friends celebrated the news of his win. His father said, “We always believed in him. We are proud that our son has made not just Pulwama but the whole country proud. This is just the beginning of his journey.”

Local youth in Pulwama have also expressed excitement, calling Owais a source of motivation. “Many of us look up to him. His success proves that even from a small town, one can rise to international fame with hard work,” said Aamir, a college student and budding sports enthusiast.

Sports enthusiasts and officials in Jammu and Kashmir have lauded Owais’ achievement, calling it a major boost for the promotion of MMA and combat sports in the region. They stressed the need for better infrastructure and government support to nurture more talent like him.

As Owais basks in his victory, he has set his eyes on bigger international competitions, aiming to bring more glory to India.