Meet Salika Tariq: Kupwara’s Young Achiever Making a Mark in Sports, Literature and Youth Leadership
Peerzada Zubair
Kupwara, July 10: At just 17 years of age, Salika Tariq from Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, has emerged as one of the region’s most accomplished young achievers. A national athlete, author, public speaker, and youth leader, she has earned recognition in multiple fields through her dedication, hard work, and commitment to inspiring young people.
Salika has built an impressive sporting career, winning more than 120 medals at the state and national levels in sportsas well as academics. Her achievements include 31 State Gold Medals across various sports, a National Gold Medal in Wushu, two National Bronze Medals in Wushu, a National Gold Medal in Pencak Silat, and two National Silver Medals in Ice Stock. She is currently preparing to represent India at the World Wushu Championship, marking another important milestone in her sporting journey.
Apart from sports, Salika has distinguished herself as an accomplished public speaker and youth leader. She has won 26 Gold Medals in debate and public speaking competitions, received the Best Delegate Award at Model United Nations (MUN) conferences on four occasions, won the State Speaker’s Award, and secured first place in a national level public speaking competition. Her achievements also earned her selection to represent India at the International MUN Conference in Istanbul, Turkey.
Her outstanding contributions have been recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Young Achiever Award 2023, Best Female Athlete Awards in 2023 and 2024, the Kupwara Terriers Women Achievers Award 2024, the One- to-One Women Achievers Award 2025, and several Young Women Achievers Awards for excellence in sports, leadership, and community service.
In addition to her sporting and leadership accomplishments, Salika is also a young author. Her debut book, Veins of the Silent Storm, has been published, while her upcoming books, The Fire No One Saw and Veins of the Silent Storm – Volume II, are currently under publication.
Salika is also actively involved in social work as a volunteer with the Musk Philanthropy Group. Through awareness campaigns, motivational sessions, and community initiatives, she promotes women empowerment, youth development, education, leadership, and positive social change.
With achievements spanning sports, literature, public speaking, and community service, Salika Tariq has become a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and young leaders across Jammu & Kashmir.
Her journey reflects how determination, discipline, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality, making her one of Kupwara’s brightest young role models.
