SRINAGAR: In a moment of pride for Jammu and Kashmir, 13-year-old Ahmed Taha Masoody from Srinagar has once again showcased his brilliance on the national stage. The young athlete bagged two gold medals at the 13th National Pencak Silat Championship 2025, held in Koppal, Karnataka, from September 26 to 28. Were 1500 athletes from all over India took part. He excelled in both the Tunggal and Solo events, outshining opponents from across the country.

This remarkable feat has made Taha a 14-time national champion, marking his consecutive gold-medal victories for the past six years. His name now stands tall in the history of Indian Pencak Silat. What makes Taha’s success even more special is his consistency. At just 13 years old, he has managed to dominate national-level championships year after year, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to talent and determination.

Behind his success lies a strong foundation of dedication, discipline, and hard work. Taha has been training tirelessly, often balancing his studies with intense practice sessions, showing maturity well beyond his years. A big share of credit goes to his mentor, Mr. Mohd. Iqbal, the Chief Coach of India. Mr. Iqbal has been guiding young athletes for more than 14 years, becoming the backbone of the Silat community in the country.

His tireless efforts have brought the sport into the limelight, ensuring its inclusion in prestigious platforms such as the Beach Games, National Games, Police Games, School Games, University Games, Khelo India Games, and now the Asian Youth Games to be held in Bahrain.

Taha’s medal tally speaks volumes about his dominance in martial arts. Over the past six years, he has collected 36 medals at District, UT, National, and International levels, of which 33 are Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze. For a boy his age, such an outstanding record is nothing short of extraordinary. Each medal represents not just victory, but the hours of sweat, discipline, and sacrifice that Taha puts into his training routine.

Taha has made his ambitions clear — his ultimate dream is to win gold for India at the Olympic level. For this, he continues to maintain a strict schedule that includes not only advanced martial arts training but also a carefully monitored diet and fitness program.

His story is not just about medals; it is about inspiration. He has become a role model for countless young athletes in Jammu and Kashmir and across India, proving that with focus and determination, even the loftiest goals can be achieved.

As India prepares to make its mark in global sports, names like Ahmed Taha Masoody remind the nation that the future of Indian athletics is in safe hands — strong, disciplined, and hungry for glory.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇