Bilquis Mir, a prominent figure in the world of water sports and a kayaking sensation from Kashmir, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman athlete appointed as a jury member for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, commencing on September 23, 2023.
With her role as Director of Water Sports in Jammu and Kashmir, Bilquis Mir will have the crucial responsibility of evaluating the performances of numerous athletes from across Asia, competing in various sports categories. Her appointment as a jury member for Canoeing at the Asian Games is a momentous achievement, marking a proud moment for Indian sports.
Sharing her joy, Bilquis Mir stated, “I’m filled with happiness and immense pride as an athlete. I’ve dedicated myself and made sacrifices to reach this milestone. The Asian Games is a renowned gathering of global athletes across diverse sports categories.”
Bilquis Mir will join a prestigious jury panel consisting of members from countries including Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, and more. Her selection as a jury member stands as a monumental achievement, not only for herself but also for the sports community of Kashmir and the entire nation.
Bilquis Mir has consistently been a source of inspiration, wearing multiple hats of success and dedication, especially in the realm of water sports. Born in Srinagar, she initiated her educational journey at SA Modern School Babar Shah and later graduated from Women’s College, Maulana Azad Road in Srinagar.
Her journey into water sports commenced at a time when sports in Kashmir were still in its infancy. However, Bilquis remained undeterred by the challenges and pursued her passion relentlessly. Between 1998 and 2006, she represented Jammu and Kashmir, amassing over 25 national-level medals.
Bilquis Mir is not just a decorated athlete but also the first woman from Jammu and Kashmir to coach the National team. Her remarkable achievements extend to being the first Indian woman participant in the ICF Sprint Racing World Cup in Kayaking and Canoeing, held in Szeged, Hungary, in 2009.
She holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman in Kayaking and Canoeing to be included in an international referee panel. She served as the National Coach (chief) of the Women’s Team in Kayaking and Canoeing leading up to the 2012 Olympics in London. Additionally, she held the position of National Coach for the National Coaching Camp of CANOE ALAOM SENIOR from January 2007 to March 2015 in Bhopal.
Bilquis Mir’s dedication to the sport reached international levels as she conducted a strength and conditioning course at the University of Birmingham, UK, making her the first Indian Woman in Kayaking and Canoeing to achieve this distinction.
She was appointed as the Chief Coach of the Women’s National Team, which participated in the under 23 Canoe Slalom World Championship held in Italy in 2018. In 2020, the Asian Canoe Federation appointed her as a judge for the 18th Asian Games Canoe Spirit in Indonesia, where she served as an International Technical Official (ITO).
Proudly representing India on the global stage, Bilquis is enthusiastic about the growing participation of girls in water sports, finding it encouraging for the future of the sport.
Bilquis Mir aims to elevate Indian water sports to global recognition and is committed to identifying talent not only in Jammu & Kashmir but also in other regions of the country where water sports are gaining popularity.
She runs a water sports training center at Nehru Park in Srinagar, recognized as one of the finest centers in the country. Throughout the years, close to 200 students have benefited from cost-free training, provided with top-tier equipment. Bilquis remains dedicated to popularizing the sport in the valley, contributing to its growth and success.
