Thread by @andreasmoun

Despite conflict, #Kashmiri Girls are actively taking to sports - Power lifting National Gold Medalist Arifa Bilal is an Inspiration for Girls of #Kashmir

Kashmiri girls, in particular, have stood out, bringing attention to the region for their various sporting accomplishments

It is now quite a common sight in the valley to see girls practicing vigorously in the early mornings and evenings.

The years long conflict due to Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Kashmir always advocated the restrictions for Kashmiri Girls due to which the talent of the women

folk of Kashmir remained behind the curtains for decades. Pakistan is still trying to intervene in Kashmir with their nefarious designs but the abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir and a stern action against the separatist camps in Kashmir somehow

eased the restrictions and Kashmiri girls now initiated to actively participate in sports and shine.

Recently, Taliban led Afghan government passed an order banning the girls of the region for taking part in sports and messaged the Muslim world to do so by

dictating their theories but in the meantime girls of Kashmir are now enough free to counter the self made theories of so called contractors of Islam Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Arifa Bilal, is the first female from Jammu and Kashmir who won a gold medal in power lifting apart from being the first female power lifter gold medalist at National level, Arifa has won three more gold medals.

She also has credited a Black belt rank in Sqay martial arts and has won five gold medals in the game. Besides one more gold medal in volleyball she decorated shelves with her awards and rewards. Apart from actively taking

part in sports and bagging medals she is also the first female gym trainer in Ganderbal district of Central Kashmir.
Arifa Bilal, An inspiration and role model for girls of Kashmir is now counseling the girls of Kashmir for being

active in sports and demonstrating their talent to the world. With an intention of women empowerment Arifa Bilal motivated numerous girls which are now settled in different co curricular streams. Arifa is now commonly known as Iron Lady of Kashmir in the locality.

Arifa in an interview once applauded the role of Jammu and Kashmir Youth Development forum a non-governmental organization for supporting her and other girls of Kashmir. The JKYDF since decades is a ray of hope and beacon of light for the girls of Kashmir.

The organization is helping the womenfolk to live their life with keeping their heads high. She added. It is pertinent to mention that not only Arifa Bilal is vocal for the rights of women but her mother Habla Bano while talking to media once said that Arifa’s achievement

made them proud and she suggested all mothers of Kashmir to let their daughters live freely, according to their passion. Like Arifa there are numerous examples like Tajamul Islam, Fiza Nazir and other girls from every nook and corner of Kashmir who are now representing

Kashmir at National and International levels and are advocating the liberty and freedom for girls of Kashmir.

The recently issued order of the lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir, making outstanding sports stalwarts eligible for jobs will attract more and more youth of Kashmir towards the arena of games.

👉(FazalAhmed-Srinagar based Journalist)