Saqlain Tariq creates history in volleyball ; Becomes first player from J-K to represent India

POONCH: Hailing from Poonch border District of Jammu and Kashmir, 17-year old Saqlain Tariq has made the State proud by making it to the National Volleyball team for the Asian Championship in September.
Six feet three inch tall, 17-year-old Saqlain Tariq, from the remote district of Poonch, has been selected to India youth team to represent the country in the 10th Youth Asian Volleyball Championship 2014 in September, to be played at Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Saqlain Tariq alias Jaanu belongs to a family which has the privilege to be linked with the volleyball team of the State as well at the national level.
Saqlain’s father Tariq Khan, an employee of Department of Youth Services of Sports, has himself remained a volleyball player and has represented the State in eighties and nineties and played an active role in promotion of volleyball for the last 30 years. Saqlain has been encouraged by his father Mohammad Tariq Khan and Volleyball Association of J and K, particularly President Raj Daluja and General Secretary Kuldeep Magotra.
When contacted, Mohd Tariq Khan, father of Saqlain, said, “it is a proud moment for me and for the entire volleyball fraternity of J and K and State Sports Council. I am also thankful to Raj Daluja and Kuldeep Magotra for their cooperation and I am sure that Saqlain’s achievement will boost the morale of youngsters in J and K”.
Imtiaz Salaria, Shenaz Khan and President Shaheed Manjeet Singh volleyball Club Manmohan Suri said, “Saqlian has made us proud by his achievements as he remained a dedicated player right from his early age. His father Mohd Tariq Khan has played good role in shaping all volleyball players particularly his son Saqlian and we are sure that Saqlain’s achievement will guide other players from J and K to aim high”.
Saqlain’s elder brother Rameez Tariq has also played at senior level on behalf of the State some years ago. Although the family members of Saqlain Tariq have been representing the State at the national level it is for the first time that any member of this sports family is going to represent the nation in Asian Championship.
After receiving the news of Saqlain Tariq’s inclusion in the team, happiness and joy spread in the Poonch town. Saqlain Tariq began his volleyball playing in Shaheed Manjit Singh Volleyball Club under the strict guidance of his father.
Saqlain is the twelfth class student of Arya Samaj School of Khanna, Punjab and is captain of the junior volleyball team of Punjab for the last two years. For better avenues of playing volleyball the family of Saqlain sent him to Punjab and it bore the fruits.
Saqlain Tariq has reached number one position in the team out of hundreds and it is the proud occasion for the whole State.
President Volleyball Association of J and K Raj Daluja and General Secretary Kuldeep Magotra also congratulated Saqlain Tariq for his rare achievement and wished him best of luck for future.