Srinagar, Jan 15 (KNO): In a moment of immense pride for Jammu and Kashmir, Mujtaba Hassan, a promising young soft tennis player from Manigam Vessu in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has been selected to represent India in the 2nd Asian Junior Soft Tennis Championship (Under-15 category).
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the prestigious continental tournament will be held at Harvest Academy, Ludhiana (Punjab) from February 3 to 8, 2026, and will feature some of the finest junior talents from across Asia.
Mujtaba’s selection marks a significant milestone not only in his personal sporting journey but also for the growing sports culture in the region. Competing against elite players from countries with a strong soft tennis tradition, the young athlete is expected to showcase his skills and determination on an international platform, carrying the hopes of the nation.
Mujtaba (11) began his soft tennis journey in 2022 while studying in Class 7th at Dream Land Educational Institute, Vessu.
In a relatively short span of time, he has emerged as one of the most consistent performers in the sport at the grassroots level. His rise has been powered by relentless practice, discipline, and unwavering support from coaches and sporting institutions.
Since taking up the sport, Mujtaba has participated in four district- and Union Territory-level championships, where he clinched gold and silver medals, underlining his dominance in junior categories. His talent further earned him opportunities to compete at the national level, where he represented Jammu and Kashmir in championships held in Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Srinagar.
Expressing gratitude after his selection, Mujtaba Hassan thanked the Amateur Soft Tennis Association of Jammu and Kashmir and the Soft Tennis Federation of India for their constant support and encouragement. He made special mention of Mr Shakir (Secretary, J&K Soft Tennis Association) and Dr. Hassan (Executive Member, Soft Tennis Federation of India) for their guidance, motivation, and belief in his abilities.
“I am deeply thankful to my coaches—Mr Umer, Mr Basit, Mr Manzoor, and Mr Firdous—whose continuous mentoring and hard work helped shape my game. This achievement would not have been possible without their support,” Mujtaba said.
"I will try my level best to prove my mettle in the upcoming event and other events," he said.
An important factor in Mujtaba’s development has been the availability of local sports infrastructure. A soft tennis court constructed by the Commanding Officer of 46 Battalion at Vessu has played a crucial role in providing regular practice opportunities to students in the area. Mujtaba and other budding players have greatly benefited from this initiative, and he expressed heartfelt thanks to the CO concerned for promoting sports at the grassroots level.
Mujtaba Hassan’s selection has been widely welcomed by locals, sports enthusiasts, and officials, who see his achievement as a source of inspiration for youth in rural and semi-urban areas of Kashmir. His journey highlights how talent, when backed by institutional support, coaching, and infrastructure, can break barriers and reach international arenas.
As Mujtaba prepares to do the national colors at the Asian Junior Soft Tennisu Championship, his parents, relatives and others have high hopes that he will deliver a strong performance and bring laurels to India—(KNO)