An 18-yrs-old youth Basharat Ahad Mir from Srinagar is the first international ice-skater of Jammu and Kashmir who won International Skating Union (ISU) Trophy in September 2019 and many other awards in his name.
Mir, who is a 12th class student at Burn Hall School has represented India in Belarus where he won international skating union trophy.
Skating journey
Speaking with Chenab Times, Mir said that he started ice skating when he was just 9 and since his journey continues.
“I used to practice even during the dead of night at Gulmarg since childhood due to which I suffered from various illnesses but I never left hope and continued the hard work,” he said.
He further said, “I used to work at ice skating rink sometimes at 1 am cause at night the temperature decreases from -15 to -20 which sets the ice completely as compared to day .This late night practice was very difficult because of low temperature and in ice skating you have to were a thin tight uniform due to this i suffered head ache, cough, fever etc . I still didn’t lose hope cause I believe one day will come and I will be the best skater. In my skating life I mostly used to practice, travel alone.”
Mir said during 2019 clampdown he got an opportunity to represent India at international level in Europe where he performed well.
“I got interested in skating as it is a very different and unique sport,” he said adding that whenever he skates people appreciate him and get motivated.
“I want to become an Olympian and doctor as well so that I can make my motherland proud,” he said, adding that to keep ourselves fit, everyone must take part in any sports at least.
Mir’s views on sports in Kashmir
“In Kashmir, I have seen many players playing sports which are not in Olympics. We should play sports which are included in Olympics and should play the sports under proper guidence. You will never get the results if you don’t work under coach. We first should have full knowledge of sports and then should practice accordingly.”
Personal life
Mir was born in Ahad Mir’s family in Srinagar. His father Abdul Ahad Mir have timber business and mother is a tailor which is the only source of income for his family. He is elder in the three siblings and have one brother and one sister.
Message for youth involved in drugs addiction
“When a person starts taking drugs no doubt he feels relaxed for the time but the time comes when drug addiction becomes his depression. So it’s better to get involved in sports like skating and make yourself fit,” Mir says.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times