Kashmir woman to coach Indian canoe team in ICF ch’ship

Bilquis Mir, the first Kashmiri Muslim woman to become coach of Indian canoe team, will once again be at the helm of affairs of the national side in the International Canoe Federation (ICF) championship to be held in Italy in August this year.

“I am happy to be chosen as coach of Indian team for the International Canoe Federation (ICF) championship to be held in Milan, Italy from August 19 to 23,” 29-year-old Mir told PTI. “I will also take part in coaching camp of the senior team of India for ICF championship in SAI, Bhopal from July 18 to August 18,” Mir said.

Selected for the third time as a coach to train the players, she believes Indian team can make a big lead in the championship. “I am confident that India will make a big lead,” she said. Mir was the first Kashmiri woman to become a national Kayaking and Canoeing coach. She was also inducted into the International Panel of Elite Referees -- the first Indian woman to get the honour. She was also honoured with the state award for outstanding sportsperson in 2010. She also holds the feat of being the first Indian to be selected as the International Technical Official for canoeing at All Africa Games 2011.

It was in 2007, the sports planners appointed her as the coach for the national team, which was a rare honour for a woman of J&K.