Bhatkal’s Hafiz Mohammed Bin Shakib Shabandri Nadvi Selected to Represent India at Prestigious Makkah Quran Competition
Two Indian students earn their spot at one of the Islamic world's most celebrated Quran recitation events.
Two students from across India have been officially selected to represent the country at the King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition 1448H, set to take place in the holy city of Makkah. Among them is Mohammed bin Shakib Shabandri Nadvi, a young hafiz from Bhatkal, Karnataka.
The selection process was rigorous and multi-staged. In the first round, 21 talented students from across the country sat for a preliminary examination. From that group, five were shortlisted for a final screening. On May 31, 2026, after a thorough evaluation and expert deliberation, two candidates were officially announced as India’s representatives.
The first selected student, Mohammed Sufyan bin Mohammed Munawwar, will compete in Category 5, which covers memorisation from Surah Al Fatiha to Surah An Nisa. Mohammed bin Shakib Shabandri Nadvi will compete in Category 4, with his portion spanning from Surah Al Fatiha to Surah Al Kahf.
The announcement has been met with great pride and joy in Bhatkal and across religious and educational circles nationwide. Well-wishers and community members have extended their congratulations to both students and are praying for their success on the world stage.
The King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious Quran competitions in the Muslim world, drawing the finest huffaz and qurra from dozens of countries every year.