Meet ‘Stunt Master’ from Anantnag, who covers 135 Kms in 11 hours

Says financial crunch deprives him from opening his own academy

Umaisar Gull Ganie

Anantnag, Sep 10: An athlete, who is known as a stunt master of South Kashmir wants to open his own academy to teach youth and involve them in sports activities but the financial crunch is depriving him to achieve his goal.

Younis Reshi (26) son of Mushtaq Ahmad Reshie of Verinag Anantnag told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that he has won gold, silver and bronze medals in different State level running competitions.

However, he said that none among the administration has so far bothered to encourage him or support him at any platform.

“I was fond of games and taking part in running competitions since my childhood and always secured 1st position wherever I have participated till date,” he said, adding after passing Class 12th, he couldn’t continue his studies due to financial reasons.

“I am doing stunts and have been uploading the videos on social media. I have received a number of calls from the youth of Kashmir Valley who ask me to start an academy as they also aspire to become stunt men. But, I am unable to do so,” he said, adding that there is no ground available in his area, where he can teach the youth.

He said that he usually practices in the famous Verinag Mughal garden in winters but during summer when there is a huge rush of tourists, he is finding it hard to practice and thus wouldn’t be able to teach the youth as well,” he added.

Like every game, stunts also need proper equipment but due to financial reasons, he lacks every single equipment, he said, adding that even there is no athletic track in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that in the year 2018, he participated in an ultra marathon and secured 1^st position as he covered 138 kilometers in just 11 hours and six minutes.

“I have trained few neighbors so far who have represented Jammu and Kashmir at State as well as national level,” he said, adding that as most people are suffering from depression and other mental issues, sports are the only way to help them to come out from the situation, but the government claims that they are promoting activities on ground are just hoax on the ground.

“There is a lot of talent among Kashmiri youth but they need proper care, counselling and infrastructure, which sans in Jammu and Kashmir.

The government must look into the matter so that we can save our future by engaging them in sports activities and keeping them away from drug addiction and other things,” he said—(KNO)