Ehsan Fazili/Srinagar

Zerhan Ashaiq, 13, from Kashmir’s saffron township of Pampore, about 15 km south of Srinagar, has clinched yet another success by bagging three gold medals in the national Ice Stock Championship held at the ski resort of Gulmarg recently.

The enthusiastic boy, who has been participating in various sports activities during the past about seven years, bagged three Gold medals in addition to Silver and a Bronze medal at the championship.

The three-day National Ice Stock Championship was organised by the Indian Ice Stock Federation in collaboration with J&K Sports Council, J&K Tourism Department, and International Olympic Association from February 9 to 11 at Gulmarg, known for its snow slopes and high quality slopes.

Not only in Ice Stock, Zerhan has also been practicing other games like Mix Boxing, Pancake Silat, Sqay, Kunbakeor, and Taekwondo. Ice Stock is also an event included in the Khelo India programs, the fourth edition of which is being held at Gulmarg from February 21 to 25.

The Khelo India was delayed due to low snowfall at Gulmarg this winter. The National event is now rescheduled after the Valley received a heavy snowfall.

Zerhan Ashaiq

A keen sports lover, Zerhan has the photo of Indian cricket star, Virat Kohli as his DP (Displayed Picture) on his mobile screen. “I have been interested and attracted to sports from my early school days”. He told Awaz-The Voice over the phone from his house at Konibal overlooking the vast saffron fields of Pampore.

Zehran aims to play at international levels especially the Olympic Games and represent Jammu and Kashmir and the country.

He spends most of his time in training as he believes sports help one keep good health and stay away from social evils.

He lamented that many youths in Kashmir had taken drugs, which led to their ill health and also financial constraints for their families.

He said that instead of spending time browsing their mobile phones, the young must take part in sports activities.

Winners with their medals

Zerhan said that he has played in various national-level competitions in Srinagar and Maharashtra. He played Pancake Slat in Maharashtra where the international sports event was held from January 13 to 16, 2023. He bagged a gold medal in the Mix Boxing II world championship at the Indoor Stadium in Srinagar in 2022.

He won two gold medals in team games and one gold medal in team distance, in addition to one silver and bronze medal in team target. He credited his successes to his parents, especially his father Ashaiq Hussain Khanday; Coach Sajad Ahmad, and; his school - Birla Open Minds International School, Pampore.

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Hussain Khandey, a businessman told Awaz-The Voice that Zerhan, born on July 10, 2010, was attracted to the sports activities right from his early childhood. At the age of 7 years, he provided him with all possible facilities and chances to learn winter sports.