Pulwama, Aug 04 (KNO): A wave of jubilation swept across South Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday as hundreds of people accorded a hero's welcome to international mixed martial arts (MMA) star Owais Yaqoob after his historic victory at BRAVE Combat Federation (BRAVE CF) 107 in Burgas, Bulgaria last week.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) residents from different parts of Pulwama, sports enthusiasts, youth, social activists, friends and well-wishers assembled in large numbers to receive the 27-year-old fighter, whose remarkable triumph over previously unbeaten Bulgarian fighter and two-time IMMAF World Champion Delyan Georgiev has been hailed as one of the biggest achievements by an Indian MMA athlete on the international stage.
The atmosphere turned festive as supporters showered Owais with flower petals, garlands and cheers while raising slogans in his honour.
A grand victory procession passed through different areas, with people waving the national flag and celebrating what they described as a proud moment not only for Pulwama and Kashmir but for the entire country.
The celebrations continued for several hours as locals congratulated the champion, clicked photographs with him and praised his dedication, discipline and perseverance that carried him from a small village in Pulwama to one of the world's biggest MMA platforms.
Owais thanked the people for the overwhelming love and support. "I am deeply humbled by this incredible reception. This victory belongs to every person who believed in me, prayed for me and stood by me throughout my journey. Representing India and Jammu and Kashmir on the global stage is the greatest honour of my life," he told KNO.
Reflecting on the bout, Owais revealed that he had entered the cage despite suffering from illness.
"I was running a fever before the fight and physically I wasn't feeling at my best. My body wasn't allowing me to compete the way I wanted, but I had complete faith in Allah. Even though the entire crowd was backing my opponent, I remained confident and everything eventually went in my favour," he said.
‘I WORE KARAKULI TO TELL THE WORLD THAT I COME FROM KASHMIR’
He also explained the significance of wearing the traditional Kashmiri Karakuli cap during the event.
"I wore the Karakuli because I wanted the world to know where I come from. Kashmir is known across the globe for its hospitality, culture and natural beauty. I wanted to proudly represent my homeland and send a message that athletes from Kashmir and India can compete with the best in the world and achieve success," he said.
BEGINNING OF A BIGGER JOURNEY
Calling his victory only the beginning of a bigger journey, Owais said defeating an unbeaten world champion has strengthened his determination to scale greater heights.
"This is not the end of my journey. It is only the beginning of a much bigger mission. I will continue to train harder, remain disciplined and strive to bring more honours to my country in the years to come whenever and wherever I will get opportunity," he said.
Sharing a message for young people, Owais said every successful athlete goes through struggles before achieving recognition.
"Like everyone else, I also faced many hardships and challenges in my life. There were times when the journey seemed difficult, but I never gave up. I want our youth to understand that perseverance is the key to success. If they remain committed and never lose hope, they too can fulfil their dreams," he said.
DRUG ABUSE HURTING EVERYONE
Expressing concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among youth, Owais urged the government to adopt a tougher approach against narcotics while simultaneously strengthening sports infrastructure.
"Action against drugs must become even stricter. At the same time, the government should upgrade sports infrastructure and provide better training facilities so that talented youngsters get the opportunities they deserve. Sports can become a powerful tool to keep youth away from drugs and help them build successful careers," he said.
The fighter, who hails from Murran village in Pulwama, has emerged as one of India's fastest-rising MMA stars through years of relentless hard work, discipline and consistent performances. His latest triumph over Delyan Georgiev, regarded as one of Europe's most highly-rated prospects and a two-time IMMAF World Champion representing the famed Team Topuria, is widely being described as a defining moment in Indian mixed martial arts.
Sports lovers and local residents termed Owais' achievement a landmark moment for Kashmir, saying his inspiring journey from a small village in Pulwama to defeating a world champion on one of the sport's biggest stages would motivate thousands of aspiring athletes across Jammu and Kashmir.
"Owais has proved that talent, dedication and hard work can overcome every obstacle. He has become a role model for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and has shown that dreams can be achieved regardless of where one comes from," said one supporter.
Several residents also urged the government and sports authorities to extend greater financial and institutional support to talented athletes from the region, saying Owais' success demonstrates the immense sporting potential that exists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Owais entered BRAVE CF 107 riding a five-fight winning streak and carrying the distinction of being named the BRAVE CF Breakout Fighter of the Year 2025. His victory over the previously unbeaten Georgiev has significantly enhanced his reputation in the international MMA circuit while scripting a historic chapter for Indian and Kashmiri mixed martial arts—(KNO)