Suhail Rather
BANDIPORA : Malik Huzaif bin Zahid, a young chess player from Nowpora Bandipora, has brought pride to the district by securing top positions in the recently concluded Chess Championship held in Jammu.
A student of Shah-e-Hamdaan Public School, Malik clinched a Gold Medal in the Under-9 category and a Silver Medal in the Under-11 category, earning him qualification for the upcoming National Chess Championship in both age groups.
His remarkable performance has been widely celebrated in his hometown, with family, teachers, and local residents lauding his achievement.
“Malik has been a genius since childhood. We always believed he would do something extraordinary,” said his father.
Local sports enthusiast members described him as a “proud son of the soil,” calling his dedication and early success an inspiration for other aspiring young athletes in the valley.
Malik’s selection for the nationals marks a significant milestone for Bandipora’s budding sports talent, particularly in the field of chess, which continues to gain popularity among youth in the Valley.
Earlier last month, he participated in the UT Chess Championship held at Indoor Stadium Wazirbagh, Srinagar, competing in both the Under-9 and Under-13 categories.
He won the Gold Medal in the Under-9 Category and the Silver Medal in the Under-13 Category.
Following this stellar performance, Malik qualified for the Under-9 category at the Chess Nationals, which will be held in Haryana from 15th to 21st June.
