For her achievements in the field of water sport –Canoeing, the International water sport coach from J&K, Bilquis Mir was on Monday honoured with Devi Award-Women’s Award’s for Dynamism and Innovation in New Delhi.
The award was conferred to her by The Sunday Standard, a publication of The New Indian Express Group and she received the citation, a shawl and cash prize from Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Satya Pal Singh in New Delhi on Monday evening.
On the occasion, 10 super achievers including Bilquis Mir were awarded in various felids. Bilquis was awarded for her achievements in the field of water sports at local, national and international level. Bilquis was the only Indian water sports judge in the recently held Asian Games-2018. She has represented India at international level both as a player and coach. Additonally, she has been at the helm of Indian water sport coaching from last more than 10-years.
Bilquis has dedicated her award to those girls who have chosen sports as their career and are working hard to achieve their dreams.
“It is after 20 years of struggle and hard work that my achievements are being recognised at various platforms. This is one such recognition and I dedicate this award to all those fellow women sports person who have chosen or are about to choose it as their career,” Bilquis said.
Bilquis, who is also in-charge Water Sports Centre, Nehru Park operated by J&K State Sports Council said that there is lot of potential for water sports in Kashmir and the need is to harness its full potential.
“Unlike states other than J&K who use dams for water sports, we have got natural water bodies. I am trying my best to explore its full potential. Recently we drafted a plan for conducting International slalom races in river Sindh in Sonamarg and I am also trying to take this sport to every nook and corner of the State,” she said.
“I am encouraging players from every part of State to join water sport. Previously, it was Dal lake dominated sport and was confined to particular area only. Now the players from far flung areas are also joining it and that will help in its development,” she added.