Kashmir Bruce Lee turns craftsman

P S Bali Srinagar May 22: Martial Arts, the fighting arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for combat. The game is considered as both an art and a science through out the globe and people lend respect for the masters. But unfortunately the Martial Art champion in Valley, Ghulam Rasool Khan, has been ignored by all shoving him to work as a Paper Machie craftsman and as a physical teacher at some private school to earn basic livelihood. Despite having a good profile and wide experience in Martial arts, Rasool is unable to deliver it further. Ghulam Rasool has sacrificed more than 18 years of his life in this game but he is yet to be recognized, the piles of medals, trophies, certificates and souvenirs is all he had in his kitty right now. In a conversation with Rising Kashmir, Ghulam Rasool revealed his agony of being ignored. Over to him…. Government’s apathy At no step I found any help from authorities. I have received only verbal encouragement which was never implemented. Due to apathy of authorities, I have done work of Paper Machie for long time, now my talent is ruined at some private school, I am working there as a physical teacher to earn basic livelihood. The fate of the Khan is such that, his student are adjusted but he is yet to be recognized, “due to my less academic record, I am still striving from door to door to get identification even after having heap of rewards and appreciation tokens. The decision of Khan of settling down here in Kashmir is turning out as a curse as no body is interesting to exploit his talent. Boy turning into ‘Bruce Lee’ I started learning Martial Arts when I was only 12 by an Afghani trainer ‘Murtaza’. The movements and tricks to defend in this game attracted me towards this game. I usually use to watch Murtaza performing different tricks, which lured me to this game. I am associated with this game for over 18 years. I am the only person of valley to be associated with this game for so long. I have accumulated piles of certificates, appreciation rewards and other mementoes which I have won at various state and national level tournaments. Besides, I have been tagged as ‘Bruce Lee’ at every competition as my stunts would mesmerize audience. But, all seems to be of no use. Contribution to the game… My only aim is to promote martial art in valley, for which I am already working from past several years. In 1994, I initiated Lee’s club of Martial Art in a government school, with the aim of imparting techniques of self defense among Valleyities, but in 2002 I had to close it forcibly due to intervention of School principal of that time. Now I am eking out my living as a physical teacher in a private school. Breif Profile: Bagged gold in North India full Contract Karate Championship in 1998. Clinched gold in xiv Lee Invitational Taekwondo Championship in 1998, at shimla Bagged gold medal in 4th state (ITF) Taekwondo Championship in 1997. Secured 3rd position in 1st Open District Taekwondo Championship in 1998. Clinched 3rd position in 6th Open Kashmir Judo Championship in 1998. Bagged gold medal in 2nd Open Kashmir Taekwondo Championship in 1998. Honours • Brown Belt in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Do from International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation of India in 1999. • Black Belt 1st Dan in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Do from International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation of India in 1999. • Black Belt 1st Dan from Master Hinchun martial arts club, Punjab India, Affiliated to International China martial Arts federation in 2010. • Kang Fu training from Neta Ji Subash Modern Sports Club, New Delhi, India from 1992-1994.