Kupwara’s Rashid Shafi has etched his name in sporting history by clinching the gold medal for India at the prestigious Nordic International Wushu Championship held in Sweden from December 12 to 14. The remarkable achievement by the young Wushu athlete from a remote village in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir has sparked celebrations across the region and stands as a moment of immense pride for the entire nation.

Competing against top international fighters, Rashid Shafi showcased extraordinary skill, strength, and composure throughout the tournament. His journey to the gold medal was marked by three high-voltage bouts against formidable opponents from different countries. In the opening round, Rashid defeated his Italian opponent with a dominant performance, displaying technical precision and tactical maturity. He then stormed into the final with a knockout victory against Bangladesh in the semifinal, drawing loud applause from spectators and officials alike. In the final bout, Rashid outclassed the host nation’s contender, Sweden, to secure the gold medal on foreign soil and proudly raise the Indian tricolour.
Hailing from a humble background in Kupwara, Rashid’s rise to international success is a testament to grit, discipline, and relentless hard work. Despite limited resources and challenges associated with training in rural areas, he remained focused on his dream of representing India on the global stage. His achievement has once again highlighted the immense sporting potential that exists in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in border and rural districts.
Rashid is a trainee of the Khelo India Wushu Centre, Handwara, where he has been honing his skills under the expert guidance of Coach Aijaz Hassan. His coach credited Rashid’s success to years of disciplined training, mental toughness, and unwavering commitment to the sport. Sports observers have described his victory as a shining example of how structured training programmes, institutional support, and dedicated coaching can transform grassroots talent into international champions.
Expressing gratitude after his historic win, Rashid Shafi thanked Ms. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, for her visionary leadership and sustained efforts in strengthening the sports ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the improved infrastructure, exposure, and athlete-friendly policies introduced by the Sports Council have played a crucial role in nurturing young talent across the Union Territory.
Rashid also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Kuldeep Handoo, Chief Coach of India, stating that his technical guidance and continuous efforts have elevated the standard of Wushu in the region and opened doors for athletes to compete at international platforms.
He further extended his heartfelt thanks to Ms. Aneesa, Chief Sports Officer; Mr. Javid-ul-Rehman, Centre Sports Officer; and Ms. Gazala, Divisional Sports Officer, for their constant encouragement, logistical support, and belief in his abilities throughout his journey.