The Inspiring Journey of Mohsin Ali: A Rising Star in Kayaking
By Poonam Mehra
New Delhi- Mohsin Ali, a young talent from Srinagar, started his kayaking journey at the tender age of seven. With unwavering determination and the guidance of his coach, Bilquis Mir, he is now on the path to success as he prepares to showcase his skills on the prestigious Kartavya Path this Republic Day.
Living in Srinagar’s Kand Mohalla, a community known as the “people of water,” Mohsin will represent Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming Republic Day parade, adding a unique sporting touch to the region’s identity.
Although relatively new to competitive kayaking, Mohsin made headlines last year by winning the men’s 1000m race at the Khelo India Water Games. His talent caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who commended his achievements.
Speaking about his aspirations, Mohsin expressed his desire to bring home an Olympic medal and make his country proud. Despite facing challenges, including training away from home in Uttarakhand, he remains focused on his goal.
The Influence of Bilquis Mir
Mohsin credits much of his success to his coach, Bilquis Mir, a former kayaker turned national coach and technical official. Mir, who has mentored Mohsin since a young age, sees in him the fulfillment of her own Olympic dream.
Reflecting on their journey together, Mir praised Mohsin’s resilience and dedication. She emphasized the behind-the-scenes struggles of an athlete, from managing injuries to coping with challenging weather conditions.
Despite facing personal and professional obstacles, Mir remains committed to nurturing young talents like Mohsin. Her dedication to the sport has garnered recognition and admiration from the local community.
As Mohsin gears up for his Republic Day appearance, Mir continues to inspire aspiring athletes in Srinagar. The duo’s success story serves as a beacon of hope for the future of water sports in the region.
Looking ahead, Mir envisions a brighter future for canoeing and kayaking in India. With over 15 Olympic medals up for grabs in the sport, she believes that success in this discipline could significantly impact the country’s standing in international competitions.
