Danish Ali/Bandipora

At just seven, she became a world champion. At eleven, she founded her own kickboxing academy in Kashmir. At fourteen, she conquered the world again. Today, as Tajamul Islam turns eighteen, she is preparing for the NEET examination, determined to pursue yet another dream—becoming a doctor.

If ever there was a definition of a prodigy shaped by grit and purpose, Tajamul embodies it.

Born in the remote village of Tarkpora in the Bandipora district of north Kashmir, Tajamul’s journey began quietly. At the age of six, she stepped into the world of kickboxing—unaware that she was about to script history. A year later, her victory came like a breath of fresh air from a region often overshadowed by conflict and uncertainty.

Tajamul Islam wioth Home Minister Amit Shah in Srinagat

The daughter of a driver, Tajamul found early encouragement at the Army Goodwill School in Bandipora, where her talent was first nurtured. In a place where young minds often grow up amid cycles of disruption, her rise offered a powerful counter-narrative—one of hope, discipline, and ambition.

Training was never easy. Alongside her school coach, she honed her skills at the academy of Faisal Ali Dar, often practising for hours in open fields, braving the biting Kashmiri cold. With limited resources, makeshift equipment became her tools—but her determination was limitless.

At seven, she stunned the nation by winning the Sub-Junior National Kickboxing Championship in New Delhi, defeating an opponent nearly twice her age. Soon after, in 2016, she clinched gold at the state-level Wushu Championship and went on to achieve global recognition at the World Kickboxing Championship in Italy. 

Tajamul Islam with Chief Minister of J&K Mehbooba Mufti

Competing against participants from around the world, she won multiple bouts and defeated her American opponent in the final to claim the title—becoming the first Indian to win gold at the international level in the sub-junior category.

Her triumph resonated far beyond the ring. When she returned home with medals in hand, her spirited presence on national television turned her into a household name—a symbol of resilience and possibility.

Yet, behind the glory were struggles. Financial constraints often threatened to stall her journey, especially when it came to participating in international events. At a crucial juncture, support from the Indian Army helped sustain her dream, enabling her talent to shine on the global stage.

In 2019, at the age of eleven, Tajamul took an extraordinary step—she founded the Haider Sports Academy in Bandipora. Focused especially on empowering girls, the academy has since trained hundreds of young aspirants, becoming a beacon of opportunity in the region.

Tajamul Islam is celebrating her win with the Indian flag

Her hunger for excellence remained undiminished. In October 2021, at the World Championships in Cairo, she once again proved her mettle, defeating an Argentine opponent to win her second world gold medal in the under-14 category. It was not just a victory, but a reaffirmation of her unwavering journey.

Tajamul Islam’s story is more than a tale of sporting success—it is a testament to the power of will. She has sent a strong message to the youth of Kashmir: that one’s circumstances do not define one’s destiny. Whether from a remote village or a conflict-ridden region, dreams remain valid—and achievable.

For girls, her journey carries even deeper significance. In excelling at a demanding sport like kickboxing, she has shattered stereotypes and redefined strength. She stands as a reminder that courage, ambition, and excellence are not bound by gender.

Tajamul Islam with her medals and awards

Her achievements have earned her widespread recognition. In 2016, she was appointed brand ambassador of the National Health Mission in Bandipora. She was felicitated by Mehbooba Mufti in Srinagar, and her accomplishments were acknowledged by Narendra Modi in his radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

People in Kashmir recognise that Tajamul’s victory lies beyond trophies. She changed conversations in living rooms; She altered mindsets in classrooms; She inspired fathers to believe in their daughters’ ambitions.

Tajammul Islam

Today, as she balances books and sports and prepares for a career in medicine while continuing to inspire countless others, Tajamul’s journey stands as a powerful reminder: with belief, perseverance, and support, even the most distant dreams can find their way to reality.

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