Bandipora, June 4 -- Suhail Rather

Malik Huzaif bin Zahid, a young chess player from Nowpora Bandipora, has brought pride to the district by securing top positions in the recently concluded Chess Championship held in Jammu.

A student of Shah-e-Hamdaan Public School, Malik clinched a Gold Medal in the Under-9 category and a Silver Medal in the Under-11 category, earning him qualification for the upcoming National Chess Championship in both age groups.

His remarkable performance has been widely celebrated in his hometown, with family, teachers, and local residents lauding his achievement.

"Malik has been a genius since childhood. We always believed he would do something extraordinary," said his father.

Local sports enthusiast members d...