\n\tNew Delhi
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\n\tOwais Yaqoob, a 26-year-old mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from South Kashmir\u2019s Pulwama district, registered a win at an international competition in China by defeating Ian Paul “Choco” Lora of the Philippines, on Friday<\/p>\n
\n\tHe was fighting under the Bahrain-based BRAVE Combat Federation in China’s Guongzhou.<\/p>\n
\n\tBorn in Muran, a village surrounded by apple orchards, some 6 km from Pulwama town, \u00a0Owais has been active in sports since his childhood.<\/p>\n
\n\tJust 3 minutes and 6 seconds into the match, Owais secured a takedown and then landed a barrage of powerful punches, knocking him to the ground. Lora surrendered and tapped out. This victory represented more than just winning a match for Owais. It was a dream come true, a dream that had come true after years of hard work, struggle, and dedication.<\/p>\n
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Today, our very own Owais Yaqoob (@MartialKashmir<\/a>) has made history in China by defeating the undefeated Ian Paul Lora and raising our tricolor high on the international stage once again. \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3<\/p>\n We are truly proud of you, Owais\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/P1Pjgu1NvP<\/a><\/p>\n
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Owais Yaqoob has shown the world that youth of Kashmir don\u2019t just dream \u2014 they conquer, lead,&inspire.#badaltaKashmir<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/AGdtX0Mbkp<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\tCongratulations to the whole of #Kashmir<\/a> and #India<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u2014 Jasib Shabir Bhat (@jasib_shabir) September 19, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tOwais Yaqoob began his martial arts journey in 2013 with taekwondo. Over the next ten years, he won 11 national gold medals, 6 silver medals, and 17 state-level titles. Owais’s exceptional performance earned him the titles of “Champion of Champions” and “Best Fighter Boy” in 2018.<\/p>\n
\n\tIn 2022, Owais participated in the WEKAF World Championships held in the Philippines, where he won a bronze medal and represented India in Filipino stick fighting (Eskrima). This performance established him as a world-class martial artist.<\/p>\n
\n\tOwais’s inspiration for MMA came after watching a match featuring UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018. Owais was determined to pursue a career in the sport. Before entering the world of professional MMA, Owais also won three national amateur MMA titles.<\/p>\n
\n\tOwais shared his bout on X:<\/p>\n
\n\t\tOwais Yaqoob (@MartialKashmir) from Kashmir defeats the undefeated Ian Paul \u201cChoco\u201d Lora at #BRAVECF98<\/a>, raising the Indian Tricolour \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3 high on Int’l MMA stage<\/p>\n