Tariq khan cni
Mendhar //Mohd Yasir Khan Khokhar, a 14-year-old boy from a poor family of village Kandi Galhuta (Theerian) in Tehsil Mendhar of border district Poonch, has brought laurels to the region by winning a gold medal in the recently held National Junior Boxing Championship at Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Yasir Khan is a true example of courage and determination, who never allowed poverty to become an obstacle in his journey to success.
Yasir’s father, Mohd Nadeem Khan Khokhar, was extremely poor. Years ago, in search of livelihood, he moved to Rajouri town where he took a temporary shelter near the stream and started earning by running horses, managing to support his two sons and a daughter. Later, during the district administration’s demolition and anti-encroachment drive, Yasir’s family was evicted from there, but they were allowed to reside in an old unsafe Govt. building with the assurance of being permanently rehabilitated. Around six years ago, Yasir’s father passed away. After his death, Yasir’s mother continued the struggle, working in people’s houses as a laborer while ensuring that her children received education.
Yasir developed a passion for boxing and, along with his studies, began to nurture this talent. Meanwhile, he found a coach Ishtiaq Malik from Darhal, who recognized his potential and took the responsibility of polishing his skills. With the guidance of a dedicated and caring coach, Yasir worked harder, which bore fruit in the recent 4th Sub-Junior National Boxing Championship, where he clinched the gold medal and set a shining example. Notably, this is the first time in 20 years that Jammu & Kashmir has achieved such an honor at the national level in boxing.
Currently a 9th class student in a government school, 14-year-old Yasir still lives with his widowed mother in the same unsafe government building in Rajouri, as the family does not own a house. Yet, with sheer determination and passion, he succeeded in winning the gold medal at the 4th Sub-Junior National Boxing Championship held in Noida, a victory that is being widely celebrated.
On 15th August, Yasir was honored at the district-level official function in Rajouri by the District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson. On Sunday, the civil society of Darhal organized a felicitation ceremony in honor of Yasir and his coach Ishtiaq Malik, which was attended by political, social, literary, and academic personalities of the area.
DDC member Mohammad Iqbal Malik praised the determination, hard work, and perseverance of the young boxer and his mentor, congratulating them both. He said, “This success is not just a personal victory but a source of encouragement for all the youth of our region.”
Speakers highlighted that Yasir’s recent victory in the boxing ring is a historic moment for Rajouri, achieved under the expert guidance of his coach Malik. The event concluded with renewed calls to improve sports infrastructure and extend greater support to local talent, ensuring that the upcoming generations continue to shine at national and international levels.
Participants expressed their best wishes for Yasir, hoping that he will continue his streak of success in the future as well. Among others present on the occasion were Advocate Zahid Sarfaraz Malik, BJP leader Karamat Malik, and several others. Cni