Kashmir's Owais Yaqoob: Trailblazing MMA Fighter with National Pride

At just 22 years old, Owais Yaqoob has emerged as a pioneering figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) as the first fighter from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India on an international platform. His journey has been marked by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his country, symbolized by the Indian flag he proudly carries into the ring. With an impressive record of five consecutive victories, Yaqoob is set to face Bulgaria's Delyan Georgiev on August 1 at BRAVE CF 107, a match that could significantly elevate his career. For Yaqoob, the essence of fighting transcends mere competition; it embodies a profound sense of purpose and national pride. He shared with Times Now Digital, "For that one moment, I do everything. There are days when I cannot sleep because of pain, but I continue because I want to experience that moment. That feeling of representing my country is what motivates me." His passion for combat sports was ignited by his grandfather's wrestling background, leading him to explore various martial arts disciplines. In 2013, he began his training in Thang-Ta, an ancient Indian martial art, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors in MMA. Initially, Yaqoob's family supported his pursuit, believing it would help him maintain physical fitness. However, as his interest deepened, he expanded his training to include Taekwondo and Karate, ultimately amassing an impressive collection of medals, including 11 gold and six silver awards. This success propelled him into the realm of amateur MMA, where he honed his skills in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and kickboxing under the guidance of coach Gurkaran Singh Sawhney at the Indian Top Team (ITT) Fight Club in Chandigarh. Yaqoob's determination to succeed in MMA was further fueled by personal challenges, including his father's illness and the financial burden of supporting his family. He recognized that pursuing a career in MMA could provide both a path to personal achievement and a means to support his loved ones. The early stages of his career were fraught with difficulties, as competitions offered little to no financial reward, forcing him to take on various jobs to fund his training. Yaqoob worked as a medical representative, conducted fitness classes, and even engaged in apple picking and packing to sustain his passion for fighting. His relentless dedication eventually attracted sponsors who recognized his potential, allowing him to focus more on his training and diet. A pivotal moment in his career came when he had the opportunity to train in Dubai with the team of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Yaqoob was particularly inspired by Khabib's mindset and warrior mentality, which emphasized perseverance and determination. "The biggest thing is his mindset. He has a warrior mentality, and he never gives up. His belief is that if you want something, you have to achieve it because there is no second option," Yaqoob remarked. As he prepares for his upcoming bout, Yaqoob remains steadfast in his commitment to representing India on the global stage. He believes that the narrative surrounding Kashmir often overlooks the region's potential, stating, "Kashmir is much more than what is sometimes shown. You cannot judge an entire region because of the actions of a few people. There are many talented youngsters there who want to represent India and bring pride to the country." Yaqoob advocates for better support and facilities for young athletes from rural areas, emphasizing that encouragement and recognition can be just as impactful as financial backing. With his eyes set on the future, Yaqoob's immediate goal is to focus on his next fight, expressing, "My immediate focus is always my next fight. I want to win every fight and then think about the next opportunity. Whether I become a champion in BRAVE Combat Federation or UFC, I will be happy. Even if I do not become a champion, I will still be proud of what I achieved in life."