Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Jan 19 : Arifa Bilal, a well-known fitness freak from Ganderbal is the first female from Jammu and Kashmir who have won a gold medal in powerlifting.
Known as an iron lady in her village, Arifa is a black belt in sqay martial arts too. Currently, a gym trainer Arifa is multiple times state and national gold medalist in martial arts. Besides she has won National award in volleyball and had also bagged awards in cricket as well.
In a recently held powerlifting in Kashmir, Arifa fetched gold medal in 57kg. She lifted scouts 65kg, bench press 40kg, deadlift 90kg. In total she lifted is 190kg and was selected to participate at the national level.
At the national-level competition of powerlifting in Haryana, Arifa lifted the100 kg weight to bag gold medal.
Arifa is the first female from Jammu and Kashmir who won a gold medal at national level in powerlifting.
Arifa, who is doing his graduation from Govt Degree College said she was very interested in martial arts since her childhood.
“In 2012 I began to learn sqay martial arts and my couch Saleem Pathan sir guided me. I started participating in various championships and won many awards. It boosted up my confidence,” she said.
“In the district Ganderbal, I am the first female who is running a gym centre, and I have received an outstanding response from people. I am training numerous females who want to be physical fitness. Moreover, being a female gym trainer many of stereotypes has been eradicated in the society,” she said.
Arifa said she has also been bracketed with NCC through her collage in which she has received numerous appreciation awards.
“Getting in NCC was not easy but because of my strength and physical fitness I was selected,” she said.
“First and foremost, I express my gratitude to Almighty who bestowed me with all the success. After that, my parents and family who always supported me in my endeavours,” Arifa said.
Arifa’s mother, Habla Bano said that its proud moment that her daughter has won gold medal award at the national level.
“It makes us along with the whole vicinity feel proud. Everyone is immensely happy that girls are no longer a burden but an inspiration,” Bano said—(KNO)
