Abdullah Patel Junior College student from Mumbra in Thane defeating his rival within seconds and inspiring Muslim youth to balance education, faith, and excellence in sports
THANE — In a proud moment for the Muslim community in Mumbra in Maharashtra’s Thane District, Muhammad Ehtesham Nadeem Khan Qadri, a Class 12 (Commerce) student at Abdullah Patel Junior College, clinched the gold medal in the recent Maharashtra State Karate and Kickboxing Championship. The young athlete’s swift knockout victory in the final round brought immense joy and honour to his institution, family, and neighbourhood.
The championship, organised under The Legends of Martial Arts Association of India, took place at the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Thane Municipal Corporation Stadium in MM Valley, Mumbra Kausa. The event drew wide participation from schools and colleges across Maharashtra, with students competing in different age groups ranging from 12 to 17 years.
In addition to Ehtesham, 18 other participants were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals in various categories, but it was his quick and decisive win that captured the crowd’s attention.
Speaking to reporters, the young champion shared his joy and gratitude. “This is not the first time I have won a medal in a sports competition,” Ehtesham said modestly. “Between 2014 and 2019, I received training in karate and kickboxing, and my training continues to this day. Earlier, I had also won a silver medal in the inter-school competitions at the Sign Dharavi Sports Complex.”
Ehtesham’s journey reflects not only talent but also remarkable discipline and perseverance. Over the years, he has balanced his passion for sports with academic commitments and religious devotion.
“Along with contemporary education, I am also pursuing religious studies,” he said. “I have memorised several Surahs (chapters) of the Qur’an. While I prioritise my modern education, it is my dream to win medals at the national and international levels in karate and kickboxing.”
His teachers and mentors describe him as a disciplined and humble student who embodies both the spirit of learning and the determination to excel. One of his instructors remarked, “Ehtesham’s victory is not just a personal achievement but a source of inspiration for Muslim youth in Mumbra who want to succeed in both education and sports.”
Besides martial arts, Ehtesham has also shown excellence in football, cricket, and kabaddi, earning several medals and recognition as the best player in multiple tournaments. So far, he has won around eight medals in various school and college-level competitions.
His father, Nadeem Khan, expressed immense pride in his son’s accomplishment. “We are grateful to Allah for Ehtesham’s success,” he said. “Our family has always encouraged him to study and pursue sports with equal dedication. His achievements prove that with faith and hard work, Muslim students can shine in every field.”
Community leaders also praised Ehtesham for bringing honour to Mumbra. Social worker Abdul Hameed Shaikh said, “Such achievements by young Muslims send a positive message. They show that with the right guidance and perseverance, our youth can represent India at international levels.”
As Ehtesham continues his rigorous training, his eyes are set on greater goals, to represent Maharashtra and eventually India in international martial arts championships.
For now, the young Mumbra champion stands as a proud example of determination, humility, and faith, a symbol of how the new generation of Indian Muslims continues to rise through education, discipline, and devotion.
