Fourteen-year-old Mohammad Yasser from Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir has scripted history by winning a gold medal at the Under-15 Asian Boxing Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Yasser became the first boxer from Jammu and Kashmir to win gold at the prestigious continental event after defeating a boxer from host nation Uzbekistan in the final.
The young athlete’s achievement has drawn widespread praise across the Union Territory. During the championship campaign, Yasser defeated opponents from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Iran before clinching the title match by a 4-1 margin.
Yasser’s journey has been marked by severe financial hardship. After losing his father in 2018, his family struggled economically, with his mother working as a domestic help to support the household. Despite difficult living conditions, Yasser continued training under coach Ishtyaq Malik at the Khelo India Centre in Rajouri.
The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council congratulated the boxer, calling his success a symbol of perseverance and an inspiration for young athletes across the region. Local residents and officials have also urged authorities to provide greater support to the athlete and his family following his historic achievement.
