Muhammad Ashraf Dijoo: The Unstoppable Sports Guru in His 60s

A Lifelong Passion for Sports

In his 60s, Muhammad Ashraf Dijoo, a native of India’s northern Jammu and Kashmir, remains unstoppable when it comes to sports. He has been promoting and coaching sports such as Roll Ball and ice-skating, while encouraging young people in the valley to take up sports.

His interest in sports developed from an early age. He played several sports, including cricket, football and volleyball, and later explored other sports as well. At the age of 10, he took up boxing before moving towards water sports, kayaking and canoeing.

From Multiple Sports to Ice-Skating

After participating in different sports at the national level, Dijoo gradually shifted his attention towards ice-skating.

However, opportunities were limited because Jammu and Kashmir had very few facilities. He recalled that Srinagar did not have an ice rink, forcing athletes to travel to places such as Shimla and Ladakh.

He eventually represented India internationally in ice-skating. In 2002, he was among the few Indians chosen for the international event in Japan. He also represented the country at events in Singapore, where India won at least 27 medals.

A Pioneer of Roll Ball in Jammu and Kashmir

Dijoo is also regarded as a pioneer of Roll Ball in Jammu and Kashmir. He brought the game to the state and began training players over a period of 15 years.

Roll Ball is an indigenous game of India, invented by Pune-based Raju Dabhade in 2003. The sport is now played in more than 50 countries.

Dijoo introduced Roll Ball in Kashmir in 2005 after completing his coaching and refereeing training in Pune. He later organised championships and developed teams from Jammu and Kashmir in different age categories.

Taking Young Athletes Forward

Dijoo believes sports can provide young people with a positive direction and help keep them away from substance abuse.

He has continued to work with children and young athletes, providing coaching opportunities and encouraging them to become involved in sports.

He has also remained involved in coaching during events such as the Khelo India Winter Games 2021.

Building Opportunities for Ice-Skating

Dijoo currently serves as general secretary of the Ice Skating Association of Jammu and Kashmir, Biathlon Association of Jammu and Kashmir, Ice Hockey Association of Jammu and Kashmir and is also associated with the J&K Sports and Winter Games Association.

He conducts training sessions several times a week for children interested in Roll Ball and roller skating. He also organises residential camps and continues to promote winter sports in Jammu and Kashmir.

With support from the Sonamarg Development Authority, Tourism Department and local authorities, he has worked towards creating opportunities for children to learn ice-skating and develop their skills.

A Legacy Built Through Sports

From representing India in ice-skating to introducing and promoting Roll Ball in Kashmir, Muhammad Ashraf Dijoo has spent decades working to develop sports at the grassroots level.

His journey shows that age does not have to be a barrier to contributing to sport. Through coaching, training and mentoring young athletes, Dijoo continues to inspire the next generation in Jammu and Kashmir.