Srinagar, Aug 21: From crying a shikara in Dal Lake to attaining national glory, 17 -year -old Mohsin Ali Kand on Thursday made Jammu and Kashmir feel proud by winning the first gold medal of Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. Mohsin won gold at the 1000-meter kayaking event.
The visit of Mohsin, a resident of Kand Mohalla, is nothing short of inspirational. The son of a low middle class carpenter, he studied at SP Higher Secondary School with a shikara to support his family. Despite economic difficulties, he credited his father, Fida Hussain tuber, and his coaches, Olympian Billwis Mir to guide the success.
Mohsin also admitted to providing Jammu and Kashmir Kayaking and Canoeing Association with necessary training and infrastructure.
The challenges he faced in maintaining the diet of a professional athlete is remarkable. Nevertheless, he remained firm and crossed all obstacles with his strong will.
Training on high altitude water of Dal Lake, Mohsin believes, he gives him an edge over the contestants from all over India. He is confident that with constant hard work, he will soon represent the country in international events such as the Asian Games, World Championships and Olympics.
Along with his gold medal win, Mohsin Ali has not only fulfilled a personal dream, but has also given new hope to the youth of Kashmir in the field of water sports.