In a moment of pride for Jammu and Kashmir, Lubna Naseer, a young Taekwondo athlete from Churmujura village in Beerwah, Budgam, has etched her name in history by winning the first-ever gold medal for the Union Territory at the 4th Cadet & Junior National Taekwondo Championship 2025 held in Dehradun.
Representing the Khelo India Taekwondo Centre under the J&K Sports Council, Lubna delivered a dominant performance, defeating top athletes from Gujarat, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh, and sealing the finals against Haryana with a flawless shutout.
Her triumph is a testament to perseverance. Despite being advised rest due to injury, Lubna trained under coach Rohit Sharma, whose support she credits for her success. Her performance has earned accolades from officials and inspired a wave of encouragement for budding athletes in the region.
Now setting her sights on the Asian Games, World Junior Championships, and ultimately the Olympics, Lubna is a symbol of possibility for Kashmiri youth. Her call for improved sports infrastructure in Budgam echoes the need to nurture local talent.
“This gold medal is not just mine—it belongs to my coach, my parents, my school, and the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” Lubna stated, he words resonating as both a celebration and a call to action.