It seems that life is returning to normal in India's Kashmir Valley. Young schoolboys and girls are increasingly taking part in extra-curricular activities including martial arts like taekwondo.

A large number of schoolgirls came to participate in a three-day-long taekwondo championship that began on Thursday.

[Suraiya Bakshi, Tournament Organizer]:
"The situation was bad. The children were scared of going to any sports club and practicing there. They were scared of going to the stadiums. Even today, there are many children who do not come out, but yes, the situation is improving and if God wishes, things would return to normalcy soon."

But with peace returning, boys and girls are taking part in martial arts and other such events. The girls are also keen to make it to the national level championship.

[Omkar Pajnu, J&K Taekwondo Association]:
"It is s great achievement to find so many girl participants and they are doing well."

Taekwondo is regarded as the world's most popular martial art in terms of number of practitioners and sparring.