Adding another feather to her cap, International Water Sports coach of JK, Bilquis Mir has been selected among the elite group of Indian coaches for special training programme to be held in University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Sports Authority of India (SAI) has selected 24 elite coaches from different parts of the Country who belong to different sports disciplines for the special programme scheduled to be held in Birmingham from May 13 to 27. Among the 24 coaches, 18 have been shortlisted from SAI while as the rest come from different sports facilities, agencies of the country.
Bilquis Mir who is incharge J&K State Sports Council (JKSSC) Water Sports Centre Nehru Park and Indian Kayaking and Canoeing team coach is part of this SAI special training programme. It is a special conditioning programme to be held by the expert instructors of University of Birmingham. She is the only one from water sports discipline to be selected for the programme.
“I am honored to be part of this elite coaching program. To be part of this program that involves some of the known Coaches of India is not a mean achievement. It is part of the SAI initiative,” Bilquis said.
Bilquis has represented India in World Kayaking and Canoeing Championship held in Hungary-2009. She has been part of the Indian team as its Coach from last 10-years. Apart from that she has also underwent coaching training course in Hungary. Bilquis is the only women International qualified water sports referee in India.
Last year she was successful in acquiring latest water sports equipment for the water sports school Nehru Park that was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
“I am doing my best to develop game in the state. Government has been giving us full support and last year Water Sports School equipped with latest boats was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. We are also in touch with SAI for opening up modern water sports centre in JK,” she said.
“Water sport is the discipline in which JK has got immense potential owing to its water bodies. We have done well at national level but have got potential to achieve higher goals at International level,” she added. (Source Greater Kashmir)