Aneeka Ishtiyaq, a prodigious martial artist from District Kulgam, began her journey in the world of martial arts at a remarkably young age. From the very beginning, her path was shaped by discipline, resilience, and an unwavering passion for excellence. What started as a pursuit of self defense soon transformed into a lifelong commitment to the sport, as Aneeka displayed rare focus, determination, and a hunger to continuously improve herself.
At just 18 years old, Aneeka has already built an extraordinary legacy, securing an impressive total of 72 medals, including numerous national gold medals, across a wide range of prestigious competitions. Her achievements span multiple levels of competition, reflecting her adaptability, technical strength, and mental toughness. Each medal stands as a testament to countless hours of rigorous training, personal sacrifice, and an unbreakable competitive spirit that sets her apart from her peers.
Beyond her success as an athlete, Aneeka has also made history by becoming the youngest referee in her discipline. This milestone highlights not only her deep technical mastery but also her strong grasp of the sport’s rules, ethics, and values. Earning such responsibility at a young age reflects the trust she has gained within the martial arts community and her ability to lead with fairness and integrity.
Aneeka proudly stands as the first athlete from her district to achieve such a high level of recognition, breaking long-standing barriers and redefining what is possible for young sportspersons from the region. Her journey has brought pride to her community and opened doors for future athletes who now see her as a symbol of possibility.
Her achievements have been widely acknowledged through multiple felicitations at local, state, and national levels. Being crowned Champion of Champions further underlines her excellence, leadership, and influence within the sport. Aneeka Ishtiyaq’s journey is more than a story of medals it is a powerful narrative of determination, consistency, and courage, inspiring countless young athletes, especially girls, to dream beyond limitations and believe in their own potential.