Kashmiri Kayaking Pioneer Bilquis Mir: From Athlete to Olympic Jury

New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) - From humble beginnings as an accidental kayaker to becoming a respected jury member at the Olympics, Kashmiri pioneer Bilquis Mir's journey has been truly remarkable. Her achievements were recently celebrated when Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse met with her to deliberate over the future of water sports in India.

At 38, Mir has achieved numerous accolades, most recently serving as a jury member for kayaking and canoeing at the Paris Olympics last year. She met with the ministers on Tuesday, discussing the progress and potential of water sports in the country. "The recognition of sportspersons' contributions is more pronounced outside Jammu and Kashmir," Mir noted, reflecting on the respect and support she received during the meeting.

Impressed by her expertise, the Sports Minister encouraged Mir to devise a roadmap for the future of kayaking and canoeing in India, highlighting the sport's Olympic potential with 16 available medals. This significant meeting coincides with the preparations for Kashmir’s Dal Lake to host the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival from August 21-23.

Minister Khadse commended Mir's inspiring dedication to promoting sports at the grassroots level, acknowledging her pioneering efforts and leadership. "Real champions elevate others, innovate new paths, and turn dreams into reality," Khadse said, praising her multifaceted role as a kayaker, coach, and mentor.

Mir's inspirational story is one of transcending challenges during a tumultuous period in Kashmir. Her kayaking journey began serendipitously on the waters of Dal Lake, where she trained after a fortunate introduction to the sport in the late 1990s. Between 1998 and 2006, she dominated the national scene with over 25 medals and became the first athlete from her region to represent India at the ICF Sprint World Cup in Hungary, reaching the semifinals.

In 2012, Mir lent her expertise as the national coach for the women's kayaking and canoeing team at the London Olympics. As the Water Sports Director at Nehru Park in Srinagar, she has tirelessly coached over 3,000 athletes, with more than 300 being girls, and her trainees have secured over 120 national medals, transforming the facility into a hub of excellence.

Mir's journey serves as an inspiration for athletes nationwide, showcasing the power of passion, diligence, and mentorship. Her engagement with Khelo India signifies the central government's initiatives under Narendra Modi's leadership to foster sports development.

However, Mir's path has not been devoid of challenges. She faced a daunting legal battle, initiated by an FIR from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in 2023, accusing her of lacking a necessary technical qualification for her role as a Physical Education Teacher. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court recently quashed the allegations, condemning the actions as a "witch-hunt" targeted by "vested interests."

The court criticized the ACB for "criminalizing non-acquisition of a technical qualification" by a lauded sportsperson, highlighting the mistreatment of national heroes. Despite the emotional toll, Mir stayed steadfast, determined to inspire future generations of female athletes. Her unwavering courage continues to set a benchmark for aspiring sportspeople.

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