The champion Canoe Slalom player of State, Vilayat Hussain Malik has secured number one rank in the Country and has also secured berth in upcoming Asian Games after winning two gold medals in the 6th Canoe Slalom National Championship held at Indore in Madhya Pradesh.
Vilayat, who is Chowkidar on casual basis in J&K State Sports Council has been training in Asian Games camp conducted on the gushing waters of River Narmada, Madhya Pradesh from last one month and represented State in the national championship.
He took part in two events of senior category ad emerged winner in both. By virtue of bagging two medals in the championship, the Kashmiri water sports player has risen to number one rank in Canoe Slalom in India. He has also secured berth in Asian Games-2018 that are scheduled to be held in Jakarta Palembang, Indonesia from August 18 to September 2.
Despite having won numerous medals in national events over the years, Vilayat is still Chowkidar on causal basis in Sports Council. It is same Council wherein number of persons are getting dual salaries and wherein a JK Bank employee on deputation is getting salary of around 1 Lakh for doing nothing.
“It is first in the history of water sport in J&K that a player has risen to No 1 rank. It is also the first time that a player has secured Asian Games berth. He defeated top players on way to win both the possible gold medals in two events he took part in senior category. Now he is number one ranked in India. Vilayat is the first from the state to win two golds in Canoe slalom senior category as well as being number one ranked,” said coach Bilquis Mir.
In the event players representing 18 States took part that includes Services. Vilayat has been part of the coaching camp for Asian Games from last one month and the training under foreign Jimy Bercon helped to achieve remarkable feat.
“I am delighted to be the first player from J&K to win two medals in senior category in Canoe Slalom and get on to be ranked number one player in Country. This all would not been possible without support of my coach back home and the training imparted by Jimy Bercon during camp,” Vilayat said.
“I have previously won around 18 medals for State at national level but this performance rank way above them. Canoe Slalom is very tough competition as one has to negotiate high speed river while competing in it. It is fast paced adventure sport and I love this and have proved my mettle now at nation al level. I will continue to work hard and try to win medal for Country in Asian Games,” he said.