Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir –
In a heartfelt and deeply personal expression of gratitude, water sports champion and mentor Mir Bilquis has extended her sincere thanks to the media fraternity—national, regional, and local—for standing by her and the water sports community in Jammu & Kashmir.
“From day one, the media has been our strongest pillar,” said Mir Bilquis with emotion in her voice. “You didn’t just report stories—you carried our hopes, our battles, and our dreams. Without your consistent spotlight, our water sports journey wouldn’t have touched so many hearts or homes across India.”
It’s a rare moment of humility and reflection from someone who has fought hard to bring a lesser-known sport into the national consciousness. Her gratitude is not just for the headlines, but for the encouragement, empathy, and belief the media showed even during the toughest times.
PM Modi’s Words: A Spark That Lit New Dreams
Bilquis also expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, whose recent words of encouragement in his iconic Mann Ki Baat radio show deeply moved the water sports community.
She revealed how Mohsin Ali, a young and determined student under her guidance, felt uplifted and seen after the Prime Minister’s mention. “Sir, your words have sparked a fire in Mohsin. He feels empowered to push harder and chase his Olympic dream with even greater dedication,” she said. “Inshallah, your encouragement will inspire many more from J&K to chase excellence.”
Mohsin Ali: A Symbol of Grit and Hope
Hailing from Jammu & Kashmir, Mohsin Ali’s story is one of resilience. With limited access to training infrastructure and funding, his progress in water sports is powered by pure grit and relentless coaching under Mir Bilquis.
Today, he stands not just as an athlete, but as a symbol of what young people from conflict-affected regions can achieve with the right support. And when his name was echoed by the Prime Minister, it wasn’t just Mohsin who stood taller—an entire generation of Kashmiri youth found renewed courage.
Media: The Backbone of Sports Beyond the Spotlight
Mir Bilquis made it clear that without the media’s storytelling, visibility, and emotional connection with the public, niche sports like water sports would continue to be overlooked. “You’ve helped the nation recognize our potential. You’ve been our voice,” she said.
Experts in the field echo her sentiments, noting that the media’s role has been transformative—not just in creating awareness but in shifting the public’s sporting imagination beyond cricket and football.
The Journey Ahead: Bold, Brave, and Buoyant
Even as the spotlight intensifies, Bilquis remains grounded yet ambitious. Her mission is to groom many more Mohsins from the region and pave the way for a strong Indian presence in global water sports competitions.
“With the support of our Hon’ble Prime Minister and the ever-faithful media, I believe the day is near when the Indian flag will fly high at the Olympics for water sports,” she said, eyes filled with hope. “We are just getting started.”
