In a remarkable display of talent and perseverance, 20-year-old Disha Pandith from Koil village in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, has made the nation proud by securing gold and silver medals at the International Sqay Cup 2025 held in Podoslik, Moscow, Russia.

Representing India on the global stage, Disha competed against martial artists from 19 countries and delivered a standout performance. She won gold in the LOBA (Fight) category and silver in the Autistic category, contributing significantly to India’s overall second-place finish in the championship. Russia claimed the top position, while Uzbekistan stood third in the final medal tally.

Disha, daughter of Praduman Krishan Pandith and Jyoti, is currently pursuing an Integrated Zoology degree and is no stranger to international acclaim. The Moscow triumph marks her sixth international medal, including a previous gold at the Sqay World Cup.

In an interview with Daily Excelsior, Disha expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of her coach, Grandmaster Nazir Ahmad Mir, and her family. “It’s their guidance and encouragement that help me balance both sports and studies,” she shared.

Beyond her achievements in competition, Disha is also actively involved in nurturing the next generation of Sqay martial artists in Jammu and Kashmir. She is particularly passionate about promoting self-defense training among women, aiming to empower them with confidence, strength, and resilience.

The Indian Sqay Federation has lauded her performance, describing it as a proud moment not only for India but also for the future of martial arts in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

With her dedication to both academics and sports, and her commitment to social empowerment, Disha Pandith stands as a shining example of the emerging talent from the region and an inspiration to young athletes across the country.