Paris Olympics 2024: J&K’s aqua woman Bilquis Mir joins jury for Kayaking & Canoeing

Bilquis Mir - known as the aqua woman of Kashmir Valley, has added another accolade to her tally. Bilquis, A water sports champion of Kayaking & Canoeing from the Kashmir Valley, becomesthe first woman from India to be a jury member at the forthcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.

Bilquis Mir is a former water sports champion and trainer from Srinagar who represented the country at dozens of National and International water sports championships.

Bilquis started her journey on the world-famous Srinagar's Dal Lake at six years of age.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

'It's a proud moment not only for me but the whole country that India will be a part of the upcoming jury at the Olympics in 2024. It's a dream come true; I started my sports career at the age of six, and finally, we are there, India is there. Every Olympian has a dream of reaching here, and I will be the first woman to be there from my country,'' said Bilquis Mir, Water Sports Champion.

ALSO READ:Lionel Messi called 'possessed devil' with the face of 'devil' by Monterrey coach

Meanwhile, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed the appointment of Bilquis Mir in a letter sent to the Jammu and Kashmir government.

Bilquis has represented the country multiple times, including as the coach for the women's canoeing team.

She was also the only Indian woman and the first from Jammu and Kashmir to be appointed as a jury member at the 19th Asian Games held at Hangzhou in China.

''It was not easy to excel at the International level, being a Kashmiri girl and starting from Dal Lake when there was no awareness about water sports, especially for girls. But, I believe never give up on your dreams and keep going and trust yourself. Nobody can stop you from achieving your goal. I want to see my UT and country on the world map, and I want to see more girls like Bilquis to represent the country. '' said Bilquis Mir, Water Sports Champion.

The government of Jammu and Kashmir bestowed Bilquis with the state award. She has also been the recipient of the Devi Award.