Mohsin Ali: A Rising Kayaking Star from Srinagar
At the young age of seven, Mohsin Ali made a life-changing decision to pursue kayaking on the pristine waters of Dal Lake in Srinagar, setting himself on a path to success. With the unwavering support of his coach, Bilquis Mir, Mohsin, now 18, is making waves in the world of kayaking.
Originally from Srinagar’s Kand Mohalla, a community known as the “people of water”, Mohsin will be representing Jammu and Kashmir at the Republic Day parade, showcasing his athletic prowess and adding a unique sporting touch to the region’s identity.
Having started his competitive journey in 2018, Mohsin’s breakthrough moment came when he clinched the gold medal in the men’s 1000m kayaking race at the Khelo India Water Games. This achievement caught the attention of none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised Mohsin for his dedication and talent.
In an interview, Mohsin expressed his ambition to bring home an Olympic medal, aiming to make his country proud. With 17 medals already under his belt, he is diligently training at an academy in Uttarakhand for the upcoming World Championship trials.
The Mentorship of Bilquis Mir
Bilquis Mir, a former national kayaker turned coach and technical official, has played a pivotal role in Mohsin’s journey. She has been instrumental in shaping his career from a young age, providing guidance, support, and mentorship every step of the way.
Reflecting on their bond, Mir shared her aspirations of living the Olympic dream through Mohsin, highlighting the challenges they have overcome together. From battling outdated equipment to navigating extreme weather conditions in Kashmir, the duo has faced numerous obstacles on the path to success.
Mir’s dedication to Mohsin’s training goes beyond the sport itself, as she has also worked on improving his diet and overall well-being to ensure peak performance. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Mir remains committed to supporting young talents like Mohsin in realizing their full potential.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Following Mohsin’s success and recognition, Mir’s academy in Srinagar saw a surge in admission queries, with aspiring athletes inspired by his achievements. Mir emphasized the importance of water sports in shaping the future of Indian athletics and urged for greater support and recognition for disciplines like canoeing and kayaking.
As Mohsin prepares for the upcoming World Championship trials, he carries the hopes and dreams of his coach, his community, and his country. His journey is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of sports in shaping young lives.
