Bilquis Mir, a renowned canoeist hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, is poised to etch her name in the annals of Indian sports history as the first woman to represent the nation as a jury member at the prestigious Summer Olympics in Paris. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally communicated this esteemed appointment to the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
Mir's remarkable journey to the Olympic jury stands as a testament to her unwavering determination and unwavering passion for the sport.
Born in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, Mir's educational journey began at SA Modern School Babar Shah. She completed her graduation from Women's College, Maulana Azad Road in Srinagar.
Mir's passion for water sports ignited at a young age, during a time when sports in Kashmir were still emerging. From 1998 to 2006, she proudly represented Jammu and Kashmir, earning over 25 national-level medals.
Notably, Mir is the sole woman from Jammu and Kashmir to have coached the National team. Her accomplishments include being the first Indian woman to participate in the ICF Sprint Racing World Cup in Kayaking and Canoeing, held in Szeged, Hungary in 2009.
In preparation for the 2012 Olympics in London, Mir took on the role of National Coach for the Women's Team in Kayaking and Canoeing.
Additionally, Mir served as the National Coach for the National Coaching Camp of Canoe Alaom Senior from January 2007 to March 2015 in Bhopal.
In addition to her pivotal role as a jury member at the upcoming Paris Olympics, Bilquis Mir has also assumed the mantle of coach for the women's canoeing team slated to compete for India at the Games. Furthermore, she had the distinct honor of serving as a jury member at the 2023 Asian Games hosted in Hangzhou, China.
Mir currently operates a water sports training center at Nehru Park in Srinagar, which is widely regarded as one of the leading facilities in the country. To date, she has provided free training to nearly 200 students, offering them access to high-quality equipment. Mir is dedicated to promoting the sport in the valley and has played a key role in its growth and advancement.
Bilquis Mir's appointment to the Olympic jury is a momentous achievement, not only for herself but also for aspiring athletes from Jammu and Kashmir and across India. Her journey stands as a beacon of inspiration, motivating young girls to pursue their passions and shatter the barriers that have traditionally impeded their involvement in sports.
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