Bilquis to lead Jury at Asian Canoe Sprint C’ship in China

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 20: Bilquis Mir, a prominent canoeing official from Jammu and Kashmir, has been appointed as the Chief Finish Judge for the upcoming Asian Canoe Sprint Championship, to be held in China from May 8 to 11.
Mir is set to report on May 6 and will be part of the official jury for the championship. This appointment follows her historic role as the first Indian woman jury member at the Paris Olympics 2024, further cementing her place among the top international sports officials.
Her selection is seen as a significant achievement, not just for her personally but also for Indian sports, particularly in a discipline like canoeing where female officials are still underrepresented.
The Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) has written to the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, requesting official permission and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for her participation in the event.
IKCA President Prashant Kushwaha praised Mir’s continued international recognition, stating it brings great honour to the country and serves as a motivating example for others in the field.
Mir has been a key figure in the development of Kayaking and Canoeing in India and has played a crucial role in promoting the sport in the region. Her leadership and experience have earned her consistent recognition at the highest levels. Her role in China is expected to enhance India’s visibility in the global Canoeing circuit and inspire greater participation of women in sports governance and officiating.