The Inspiring Journey of Faheem Masood Shah: India’s IcestockSport Champion

Shaheen Ahangar

Faheem Masood Shah, a renowned figure in India’s IcestockSport scene, showcased his exceptional talent at the 12th Senior National Icestock Championship in Gulmarg this January. With two gold medals and two silvers under his belt, Faheem stood proudly on the icy grounds, surrounded by snowfall and a warm smile.

His remarkable skill on the rink is a testament to years of dedicated training in challenging conditions with limited resources. Despite his personal achievements, Faheem’s focus remains on nurturing young talents, guiding them towards success.

At 32, Faheem has represented India in nearly 200 international matches across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, accumulating a collection of medals from prestigious competitions. However, his true passion lies in inspiring the next generation of players in Gulmarg, emphasizing the possibilities within the sport.

Originating from Batamaloo, Srinagar, Faheem’s journey began with childhood adventures on icy streets, where his love for sports blossomed. Despite pursuing degrees in Computer Engineering and Data Science, Faheem’s encounter with IcestockSport in 2014 redirected his path towards a remarkable sporting career.

Since that pivotal moment, Faheem’s dedication to training has been unwavering, overcoming challenges with determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His success at both national and international levels has not only raised India’s profile in IcestockSport but has also inspired a new wave of aspiring athletes.

While facing numerous obstacles in the Kashmiri winter sports landscape, including limited resources and high travel costs, Faheem continues to compete, triumph, and mentor young talents. His recent triumph in Gulmarg marks a new chapter in his journey, as he sets his sights on the European Championships and Olympic qualification, advocating for improved facilities and coaching in Kashmir.