Yasir’s remarkable rise to national ring

Rajouri, Apr 12: In the lanes of Rajouri a young boy once fought battles no child should have to face. Today, that boy, Mohammad Yasir is scripting a story few could have imagined. From homelessness and hardship to earning a place in India’s boxing squad, Yasir’s journey is not just a rise in sport, but a powerful resilience, and the will to fight beyond the ring.

Yasir, a homeless teenage boxer has carved a place for himself in the Indian national team for the upcoming Asian Boxing Championship scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan from May 1.

Living under dire circumstances, Yasir’s life has been fraught with challenges as his family lost their home in 2017 during an anti-encroachment drive, followed by the untimely demise of his father. Since then, Yasir, along with his mother and younger brother, has been residing in a dilapidated government structure, unfit for habitation and lacking basic amenities.

Despite the odds, Yasir continued to chase his dreams and his mother, who works as a domestic help washing utensils in various households, remains the sole breadwinner of the family, striving to make ends meet.

Yasir’s talent was spotted by Khelo India coach Ishtiyaq Malik nearly two years ago, when the youngster was seen wandering in local markets.

Recognising his potential, Malik took him under his wing and began training him in boxing. In a short span, Yasir has shown remarkable progress, clinching a gold medal at the national championship just months ago.

Following his return from Patiala, Punjab, where he attended the selection trials, Yasir was greeted with an emotional welcome by his mother at their temporary shelter.

Overwhelmed with pride and joy, she was seen in tears as she embraced her son, whose achievements have brought hope and recognition to the struggling family.

Yasir’s selection not only highlights his personal triumph but also underscores the transformative impact of sports initiatives in nurturing hidden talent from the most underprivileged sections of society.

Yasir has been selected in the 55–57 kg weight category in the Under-15 segment, marking a significant milestone in his budding career. Trained under the Khelo India initiative, his journey from extreme hardship to national recognition stands as a testament to unwavering perseverance.