Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, July 24: A 26 year-old Gowhar Ahmed had once contemplated ending his life. But now, he is leading a movement for the young generation in Kashmir. He is setting an example by competing in national level competitions of water sports Kayaking and canoeing, despite his unique physical abilities.
Hailing from the central district of Budgam, Gowhar had recently finished fourth in a national aquatic championship in Bhopal, representing Jammu and Kashmir at para-games.
Speaking exclusively to Excelsior, Gowhar said, “I was just a preschooler in 2001, when I lost my right limb in a road accident in my village Kanihama, in district Budgam. Life has not been easy for me since then. There were no artificial limb replacement systems in Kashmir at that time. People used to say that the world had ended for me, and that I would have to spend my entire life on bed.”
“I was so depressed that in 2010, I contemplated ending my life. I reached the footbridge in my area, but suddenly, I realized I had to live for my parents, my brother, and my sisters. Since then, my life has completely changed and I never looked back. I have turned my weakness into my biggest strength.”
Gowhar’s life took a different turn when he decided to join watersports under Bilquess Mir, the first water sports coach from Srinagar and the first Olympic-level women’s Kayaking and Canoeing player from the Kashmir region. Mir’s guidance provided Gowhar with a new direction.
“I started water sports Kayaking and Canoeing under the guidance of Bilquis Mir a year back; she pushed me to pursue my dream with full strength and within a year I took part in my first national level competition. As my financial condition was not good, but my coach pushed me for the competition by bearing all my expenses, I am extremely grateful for her support. Now, my dream is to represent my country at the International Water Sports event and win a gold medal,” he added.
“I am 75 percent disabled and earlier, I was facing difficulties in practice but now it’s my routine and my passion,” he added.
The passion in Gowhar’s voice was undeniable. His journey from despair to determination had not only transformed his own life but had also ignited a fire within him to inspire others, to break free from the chains of society’s expectations. As he looked out to the horizon, his eyes filled with hope, he knew that his journey had just begun.
International Player Water Sports and Coach Bilquis Mir while speaking Excelsior said, “I am amazed to see the confidence and strength of Gowhar, moreover his passion for the game. He takes regular training like any athlete and never misses his sessions whether it’s the hard training or endurance camps.”
“I find Gowhar has more strength than any normal athlete, but now it’s our responsibility to give him a push in life so that he can earn his name on International platform.” She added.
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