Girls in Kashmir learn art of self defence

To combat rising incidents of crime against women, Kashmir Taekwondo Association has organised camps across the state to teach self-defence to girls. The camp, set up in Tangmarg area of Baramulla district, encouraged many girls in rural areas of the Valley to participate.

More than 30 girls from different schools showed keen interest to take part in the training sessions at one such camp on Thursday. "The girls, these days, should not be dependent on others. They should learn to protect themselves. They should know techniques of self-defence. Sir has given us an opportunity to play for the nation. I want to reach up to the international level. I have won a silver medal today; someday I will win gold," said Asiya Javeed, a participant.

Coach and trainer, Shuja Shah, was seen teaching Korean martial art Taekwondo to the girls. In this martial art a heavy emphasis is given on kicks. According to the organisers, the prime motive of this camp is to make the girls tough and teach them techniques of self-defence to protect themselves. "We know that our girls these days are toiling hard. They are unsafe and they should be taught self-defence. ……that is why I want taekwondo and martial arts. Every girl should learn martial art, because it is the need of the hour," said Shah.

Clad in white head scarves, the girls were seen training in the camp with great enthusiasm. They said they were happy that such a training session was being held in their area because earlier such camps were organised only in Srinagar.