Aug 14, 2025: Shahnaz Parveen took to the mat at the Messe Essen Halle in Germany for a significant event, donning her all-white taekwondo overalls. She was aiming for a well-known victory as the first Ladakhi woman to compete for India at the FISU World University Games. Poomsae, the discipline of taekwondo where Shahnaz’s expertise lies, requires athletes to perform a choreographed sequence akin to rhythmic gymnastics but one that simulates fighting techniques. However, taekwondo athletes don traditional doboks with no adornments, in contrast to the extravagant costumes worn by gymnasts. “My scarf and the Indian Flag add a pop of colour to the all-whites,” says Shanaz, beaming with pride.

In fact, Shahnaz's identity is anchored in both the Tricolor and the headscarf. Growing up in the hamlet of Sankoo, Kargil, Shanaz led a sheltered life early. When she saw girls throwing punches and kicks during a school workshop, it came as no surprise that she was immediately drawn to taekwondo.

However, given the conservative views of those around her, there was stern opposition to her taking up a combat sport. “Girls don’t kick”, “Girls don’t wear track pants”, those were the common sentiments that the youngster was met with early on.

"Taekwondo provided me with a outlet. Shanaz says, "I persevered even as others who started with me chose other, more conventional fields. I was always an active child and the sport felt like the right fit for me." She notes that her early district and state-level medals were when things started to change. After witnessing the joy that taekwondo brought me, my family changed their minds. She recalls, "My mother was soon getting up before me to make sure I didn't miss a session." As the stage kept getting bigger, the training also became more rigorous. Soon after, Shanaz moved her base to Kargil with her mother. She eventually arrived in Jammu, where, under the guidance of coach Atul Pangotra, she went on to make Ladakh's history by winning a gold medal at the National University Games.

Celebrating identity:
The spotlight comes with success. However, Shanaz did not always receive positive attention. Her active social media account is criticized by conservatives just as much as it is praised by sports fans. The young entrepreneur, on the other hand, has stuck to her guns and continues to be forthright about her choices. She recently collaborated with a Mumbai-based hijab store, which provided her with a platform to celebrate her identity and financial support at the same time. The hijab’s athletic fit was a game-changer too.

I used to use pins to keep my hijab in place. Shanaz says, "I had the freedom to move without worrying. The athletic hijab, with its breathable, anti-sweat fabric and no-slip design gave me the freedom to move." She also says that the custom hijabs had the word "IND" printed on them. Videos on the youngster’s social media show her carrying the Indian Tricolour with an infectious smile during the opening ceremony of the World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany. “It still gives me goosebumps. Although it may sound trite, she asserts, "There is no better feeling for an athlete than to watch their flag fly high." A crucial turning point: An untimely injury meant an early exit in Germany for Shanaz, who lost in the round-of-32 to a Croatian opponent. She scored 8.159 for her routine, just shy of her opponent's 8.599, in a close contest. Pursuing a degree in Physical Education from the Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, the Sankoo-born will have one more shot at the University Games in two years’ time. Her plans, however, have a wider scope.

“I want to perform well on the senior circuit and I am already training for upcoming trials in Ladakh. The goal is to get a gold at the National Championships to be played in Odisha,” Shanaz says of her next steps.

Her continued international representation of India has also begun to translate into growing domestic support. She was recently feted by the UT administration and also drew appreciation from Ladakh MP Hanifa Jan.

Providing inspiration: She is concerned about giving back to the sport, but underneath it all, she is a teenager trying to find her place in the world. Shanaz has combined her love of taekwondo with her desire to travel, as evidenced by her presence on social media. She wants to take her sport to Ladakh's most remote areas. She says, "Watching other girls perform taekwondo was what gave me the belief that I could do the same, and it will mean everything to me if I can also inspire others to take up the sport," before heading out for another training session and grabbing her phone to record a few videos for her Gram.