SOPORE, AUGUST 19: Three students from a single school in north Kashmir’s Sopore town have qualified for national-level championships across three distinct sporting disciplines—a rare hat-trick that has put the spotlight on SRM Welkin School’s growing reputation as an powerhouse of talent in the Valley.
In what is being seen as a significant endorsement of the institution’s holistic education model, Kazim Ishtiyaq Wani, Tabish Aakash and Zaid Bin Nabi have each carved their own path to the national stage, underscoring a philosophy that refuses to treat academics and sports as mutually exclusive pursuits.
Sharing details to Kashmir Convener the school spokesperson said Kazim stuns Khelo India player in badminton summit clash.
The most eye-catching of the three performances came from Kazim Ishtiyaq Wani, who stunned a Khelo India player in the U19 Inter-Zonal Badminton Tournament to clinch a spot for the District Level National Trials in Srinagar. The victory was no flash in the pan—Kazim has assembled a formidable record with four consecutive District Baramulla Badminton Championship titles, two Winter and Summer Open crowns in Srinagar, two District Srinagar Championship wins, and two Varuml Gindo Championship victories to his name. He has also twice represented the region in the Inter-District tournament and featured in the Inter-Divisional Badminton Tournament in Jammu, where he faced players from five states.
Tabish dominates Kudo championship
Tabish Aakash, meanwhile, announced his arrival on the martial arts circuit with a commanding Gold Medal at the State-Level Kudo Championship, winning both his bouts with authority. The dominant performance earned him a direct entry into the upcoming National-Level Competition.
Zaid adds Silat silver to growing medal haul
The third qualifier, Zaid Bin Nabi, a Class 11 PCMB student, secured a Silver Medal at the 14th National Pencak Silat Championship 2026 in Nashik, Maharashtra. The latest addition to his cabinet now includes participation in the Asian Championship 2025 in Pencak Silat, a National Gold medal, three National Silver medals and six bronze medals. He has also represented the region in the Khelo India Skiing National Championship at Gulmarg and has competed twice in the Curling National Championship at the same venue the spokesperson further added.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener SRM Welkin chairperson Baseema Aijaz said the achievements were a reflection of the institution’s commitment to producing well-rounded individuals.
“Sports is an advantage in today’s current scenario. These achievements are a reflection of the vision we hold for our students—to excel not just academically but also on the playing field,” Baseema said, attributing the success to the management’s support and the coaching staff’s relentless efforts.
The latest successes come on the heels of SRM Welkin students sweeping all podium positions at the Invictus Challenge 2026 and clinching the girls’ cricket title in a CRPF-organised tournament—further cementing the school’s status as an emerging nursery of sporting talent in the Valley.
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