Mansoor Parey STORY BY MALIK YASEEN STORY OF A YOUNG SPORTS JOURNALIST " MANSOOR PAREY" Srinagar, sep 24th: In a conflict zone like Kashmir, sports journalism has hardly thrived considering the bulk of journalists and media organizations primarily focusing on issues pertaining to killings, disappearances and the every drop of blood spilled. But, choosing a different path and setting his foot firm on the field of his love and liking, 25-year-old Mansoor Pary has not only carved a niche but established himself as one of the best sports journalists in Kashmir.Recieving his early Education in four different Schools which includes Middle School Hail, Public Model School Saloosa, Kirmania Memorial Institute Wagoora and Hanfia Model School Kreeri. Writing on development of sports and the ills plaguing its growth as well as the shabby state of infrastructure here, Mansoor says, was always an uphill and daunting task considering that “very few journalists made a mark in this field (sports journalism) in the history of journalism in Kashmir.” But, the exuberant writer says that “determination, the never-say-die spirit including the will to desperately hunt for news stories kept him in the thick of things always.” “When I look down this journey it gives me immense satisfaction and feeling that I stand at this point of time in my career. Even though my stint as a sports writer is less than a decade ( actually starting in June 2008) but I believe I have done justice to my talent,” said Mansoor who is currently engaged with Kashmir Images, Counsellor Magazine and Radio Kashmir Srinagar where he reports for ‘Sports Time and Sports Magazine.’ Besides, the young journo has also contributed for Valley’s mostly circulated newspaper- Greater Kashmir. Hailing from the village Hail Kreeri in North Kashmir’s district Baramulla, Mansoor has primarily focused on development of sports activities in North Kashmir. The talented scribe said: “ I usually report on sports activities across the Valley but I had to put in extra efforts to do my bit for North Kashmir as majority of the journalists there gave it ( sports reporting ) a miss .” Having masters in English literature under his belt, Mansoor has to his credit interviews of many influential sports personalities— local as well as national. From reputed sports commentator, Harsha Bhogle, Prakash Wakankar, Syed Kirmani, Kiran More, Chetan Sharma, Chetan Chauhan, Sanjay Banerjee, Vineet Garg, Suresh Sariaya, Surinder Khana, Miling Wagle and Pankaj Athwale Mansoor has interviewed and profiled them all. “These (interviews) are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg….. I still have a long way to go…but when someone informs me that I am the lone journo in Valley to achieve this feat…. I feel honoured and humbled and proud of my achievements,” exudes Mansoor whose talent has been acknowledged with many honours and awards by the state government and the sports organizations. Commenting on the overall scenario of sports in Kashmir, Mansoor says that shabby infrastructure has cost Kashmiri sports persons dearly so far. “Champions are born irrespective of religion, caste, colour, race and it hardly matters whether they come from a poor or rich background…but there no denying the fact that proper coaching, training and state-of-the- art facilities produces great sportspersons everywhere,” said Mansoor.“….Just see where India stands in the medals table at the Olympics .Isn’t it pathetic that a country of more than one billion people has failed to produce champions in football, tennis and other famous global sports. Or for the matter India has failed to shine at the Olympics so far…just a single gold doesn’t justify the sports talent of a country of 130 crore people,” adds Mansoor. Comparing to this, the noted sports journo adds: “See how countries smaller in area and population than India top the Olympic medals table….see how Ian Thorpe of Australia and Micheal Phelps of USA swim their country to Olympic glory……and then see how our country is still dreaming of producing superstars save cricket.’ Shifting to Kashmir, Mansoor says that conflicting situation for the last 20 years in the Valley ruined the prospects of producing stalwarts as the poor infrastructure robbed many talented sports persons of an illustrious career. “The difference is there to see now. A marked improvement in situation over the years and the state government beginning to invest in sports infrastructure has resulted into Parvez Rasool’s induction into Team India and corporate giants venturing into popularity and development of cricket in Kashmir,” said Mansoor who added that same should be done for promotion of other games here.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Sep 2013 07:16:13 +0000