From Dal Lake to National Glory: The Inspiring Journey of Kayaking Champion Mohsin Ali
In a remarkable story of determination and sporting excellence, Mohsin Ali, a young shikarawalla from the serene waters of Srinagar's Dal Lake, has emerged as a national kayaking champion. His journey from navigating tourist boats to paddling his way to gold medals represents the transformative power of sports in India.
A Golden Moment at Khelo India Water Sports Festival
Last August, during the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) held in Srinagar, the then 17-year-old Mohsin created waves in the sporting community. Competing in the 1000m men's singles kayaking race, the teenager from Kand Mohalla—a hamlet within Dal Lake that houses "people of water"—clocked an impressive 4:12.41 to secure his first national-level gold medal.
What makes this achievement extraordinary is Mohsin's background. While most athletes his age might be focusing solely on training, Mohsin balanced his sporting ambitions with his work as a shikarawalla, ferrying tourists across the iconic Dal Lake. This dual life of athlete and working professional showcases his exceptional dedication and time management skills.
Republic Day Recognition and Future Aspirations
Now 18 years old, Mohsin is set to receive another significant honor. The lanky teenager will be featured on Jammu and Kashmir's tableau during the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path this Monday. This inclusion adds a sporting dimension to the Union Territory's identity, which has traditionally been associated primarily with tourism.
Mohsin's sporting journey began at the tender age of seven when he decided that a kayak paddle, rather than a shikara oar, would shape his future on Dal Lake's pristine waters. Although he has been competing actively since 2018, his breakthrough moment arrived last year when his victory at the Khelo India Water Games in his hometown caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"I am the first sportsperson in my family and all I want to do is to make the country proud with an Olympic medal at some point," Mohsin revealed in a recent interview. "I have won 17 medals so far in my career."
National Recognition and Training Regimen
Following his gold medal triumph, Mohsin enjoyed a five-minute conversation with PM Modi during the 'Mann ki Baat' program last year. "That conversation with the PM made me famous here in Srinagar," Mohsin shared. "When I take out the Shikara, people recognise me."
Having completed his schooling, the young athlete now dedicates substantial time to training at an academy in Koteshwar, Uttarakhand. He is preparing rigorously for the upcoming trials for the World Championship scheduled for April, demonstrating his commitment to reaching higher levels in international kayaking.
The Guiding Force: Coach Bilquis Mir
Behind Mohsin's success stands his coach, Bilquis Mir, a former kayaker who has transitioned into a national coach and technical official. The 38-year-old coach, who also hails from Srinagar, made history by becoming the first Indian to serve as a canoeing/kayaking judge at the Paris Olympics in 2024. She previously served as the national coach of the Indian women's team during the 2012 London Olympics.
"She has been there with me from the very beginning and I wouldn't have made it this far without her support," Mohsin acknowledged gratefully. Through her protégé's achievements, Coach Mir hopes to realize the Olympic dream that eluded her during her own competitive career.
Republic Day 2026: A Unique Celebration
This year's Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path will feature several distinctive elements that make the parade particularly noteworthy:
- 150 years of 'Vande Mataram': The parade will commemorate a century and a half of India's national song
- Military showcase: India will display its defense capabilities, including the newly-raised Bhairav light commando battalion
- Indigenous platforms: A range of domestically developed military equipment will be featured
- Cultural diversity: The parade will highlight India's rich cultural heritage alongside its military strength
This Republic Day holds special significance as it marks the first parade following Operation Sindoor—India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir conducted in response to the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir last April.
Innovative Parade Format: Phased Battle Array
In a groundbreaking change introduced this year, key Army assets including indigenous platforms will roll down Kartavya Path in a "phased battle array formation." This innovative format represents a departure from traditional parade arrangements and offers several distinctive features:
- Realistic deployment: Military units will move in formations mirroring actual battle scenarios
- Sequential presentation: The display will begin with reconnaissance elements, followed by other military units
- Comprehensive representation: Logistics and personnel accompanying platforms will be included in the formation
- Authentic appearance: Personnel will be seen wearing actual battle gear rather than ceremonial uniforms
This new format provides spectators with a more authentic representation of how Indian military assets would be deployed in actual combat situations, adding an educational dimension to the ceremonial display.
Mohsin Ali's journey from the tranquil waters of Dal Lake to the national spotlight on Kartavya Path embodies the spirit of New India—where talent, regardless of background, finds recognition and opportunity. His story serves as an inspiration to countless young athletes across the country who dream of representing India on national and international platforms.
