Srinagar, October 4 — Taekwondo athlete Danish Manzoor from Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, was conferred the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Rashtriya Seva Medal on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, at a ceremony held at Hotel International in Srinagar. Organized by the Gandhi Global Family under the leadership of Padma Shri Dr. S. P. Verma, the award celebrated Manzoor’s significant contributions to sports and his role in promoting peace and discipline, marking a notable moment for the region’s sporting community. The event underscored the intersection of athletic excellence and Gandhian values, drawing attention to the potential of sports as a tool for social cohesion in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Mahatma Gandhi Rashtriya Seva Medal, instituted to recognize individuals exemplifying selfless service and national integration, was presented amid a gathering that included local dignitaries, sports enthusiasts, and representatives from the Gandhi Global Family. Dr. S. P. Verma, a respected figure in Gandhian studies and social reform, highlighted Manzoor’s achievements as a reflection of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of strength through non-violence and discipline. The ceremony featured cultural elements and discussions on how sports can foster peace, aligning with the day’s commemoration of Gandhi’s 156th birth anniversary. Manzoor’s recognition was seen as a beacon of hope in a region where sports infrastructure and opportunities have historically been limited due to socio-political challenges.
Danish Manzoor, hailing from Baramulla—a district known for its scenic beauty and resilience amid conflict—has emerged as a prominent figure in Indian Taekwondo. His journey began with training under local coach Ashfaq Ahmad Wani at the Baramulla Taekwondo Academy, where he developed skills that would later earn him national and international acclaim. While specific early achievements are not widely detailed, his dedication laid the foundation for his rise in the sport. Manzoor’s breakthrough on the international stage came at the 13th Elite Cup International Taekwondo Championship held in Amman, Jordan, from August 21 to 24, 2025. Competing in the men’s category, he secured a bronze medal, marking India’s first podium finish at the event and bringing pride to Jammu and Kashmir. This achievement highlighted his technical prowess and competitive spirit, earning him recognition beyond regional boundaries.
Manzoor’s sporting career also includes notable performances at national-level competitions. He has won two gold medals at North Zone Nationals and is the medalist at Mahavir Open Senior National, establishing himself as a consistent performer in Indian Taekwondo circuits. These accomplishments reflect his commitment to the sport, which has been nurtured despite the challenges of limited resources and infrastructure in his home region. His selection as a Fit India Ambassador further amplifies his influence, a role in which he promotes physical fitness and discipline among youth, aligning with the government’s initiative to encourage sports participation across India. This ambassadorial position underscores his broader impact, extending his influence from the dojo to community development.
The award ceremony in Srinagar was a significant event, drawing attention to Manzoor’s contributions both as an athlete and a symbol of peace. The Gandhi Global Family, led by Dr. Verma, chose Manzoor for his embodiment of Gandhian principles—non-violence, perseverance, and service—through his athletic endeavors. The event included speeches and presentations that linked his success to the ideals Gandhi championed, emphasizing how Taekwondo’s emphasis on self-control and respect mirrors these values. Local media coverage noted the presence of community leaders and sports officials, who praised Manzoor as an inspiration for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, a region where sports can serve as a counterbalance to unrest.
Jammu and Kashmir, with its rich cultural heritage and challenging geopolitical context, has long struggled to provide adequate sports facilities. Baramulla, like many areas in the Kashmir Valley, has faced disruptions due to conflict, limiting access to training centers and competitive opportunities. Despite this, athletes like Manzoor have emerged from grassroots efforts, often supported by local coaches and community initiatives. His international success at the Elite Cup Championship in Jordan was a rare highlight, celebrated widely in local news outlets, which described it as a moment of pride for the state. The bronze medal not only showcased his skill but also put Baramulla on the global Taekwondo map, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
The timing of the award on Gandhi Jayanti added a layer of symbolic importance. Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of non-violent resistance and community service resonates deeply in a region where peacebuilding remains a priority. Manzoor’s recognition aligns with this legacy, as his work as a Fit India Ambassador involves engaging with schools and youth groups to promote fitness and discipline—values that echo Gandhi’s teachings. The ceremony included recitations and discussions that drew parallels between Taekwondo’s philosophy of self-mastery and Gandhi’s principles of Ahimsa and Satyagraha. This connection was further emphasized by Dr. Verma, who noted that Manzoor’s achievements demonstrate how sports can foster unity and personal growth in challenging environments.
The event also shed light on the broader context of sports in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has produced talents across disciplines, yet systemic barriers such as underfunded academies, travel costs, and security concerns often hinder progress. Manzoor’s journey from a local academy to international success highlights the potential of individual determination and community support to overcome these obstacles. His role as a Fit India Ambassador has seen him conduct workshops and training sessions, reaching hundreds of young athletes and encouraging participation in sports as a means of personal and social development. This initiative has been praised by local authorities, who see it as a step toward harnessing the region’s sporting talent.
Manzoor’s recognition has sparked discussions about the need for improved sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Local leaders at the ceremony, including representatives from the J&K Sports Council, expressed commitment to enhancing facilities, citing Manzoor’s success as a catalyst for investment. The state government has faced criticism for inadequate support for athletes, with unemployment and limited recreational opportunities driving youth toward other pursuits. Manzoor’s medal serves as a call to action, urging policymakers to prioritize sports development as a tool for empowerment and stability in the region.
The international dimension of Manzoor’s achievement cannot be overstated. The bronze medal at the Elite Cup Championship in Jordan was a rare feat for Indian Taekwondo, a sport dominated by countries like South Korea and China. His performance in Amman, where he competed against a diverse field of athletes, demonstrated the growing competitiveness of Indian martial artists on the global stage. Local news outlets reported that his success was celebrated with pride across the Valley, with community leaders and sports officials hailing it as a breakthrough for Jammu and Kashmir’s representation in international sports.
Looking ahead, Manzoor’s recognition is expected to inspire further efforts to elevate Taekwondo in the region. His role as a Fit India Ambassador positions him as a mentor for aspiring athletes, while his international exposure opens doors for future competitions. The Gandhi Global Family’s endorsement may also attract support from national sports bodies, potentially leading to scholarships or training programs for Jammu and Kashmir’s youth. As the state continues to navigate its post-2019 Union Territory status, athletes like Manzoor offer a narrative of progress and possibility, bridging local talent with global recognition.
Danish Manzoor’s receipt of the Mahatma Gandhi Rashtriya Seva Medal on October 2, 2025, is a milestone that celebrates his sporting achievements and his contribution to peace and discipline. Held under the aegis of Dr. S. P. Verma’s Gandhi Global Family, the ceremony at Hotel International in Srinagar highlighted his bronze medal win at the 13th Elite Cup International Taekwondo Championship in Jordan, alongside his national medals and ambassadorial role. This honour not only recognizes his personal success but also underscores the potential of sports to foster unity and resilience in Jammu and Kashmir, aligning with Gandhian ideals and inspiring a new generation of athletes in the region.
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| Full name | Tahir Rihat | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Also known as | Tahir Bilal | ||
| Date of Birth | 02 January 1999 | ||
| Occupation | Journalist; Online Editor | ||
| Employer | The Chenab Times | ||
| Base | Thathri, Doda, Jammu & Kashmir, India | ||
| Website | tahirrihat.com | ||
| Social | YouTube | ||
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an Indian journalist and online editor at The Chenab Times. Based in Thathri, Doda, he reports on regional affairs, civic governance, and human-interest stories across Jammu and Kashmir. Rihat also maintains a personal website, tahirrihat.com, where he shares professional updates and reflections on journalism in the Chenab Valley.
