NEW DELHI: From rowing a Shikara across the shimmering waters of Dal Lake to standing tall as a national champion, 17-year-old Mohsin Ali Kand has scripted a fairytale rise that has electrified Jammu and Kashmir.
On Thursday, the teenager delivered a golden moment for the Union Territory, clinching the very first gold medal of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 in the men’s 1000 m Kayaking event with a timing of 4:12:717.
As Mohsin pulled his kayak to the shore, the air at Dal Lake erupted with cheers. Overwhelmed by the weight of his achievement, he broke down in tears and embraced his coach, Bilquis Mir, a former international and Olympic judge.
A student of Class 12 at SP Higher Secondary School, Mohsin juggles academics with dawn-to-dusk training and late evenings rowing a shikara to earn money for his nutrition. Son of a humble carpenter, Fida Hussain Kand, Mohsin dedicated the medal to his father’s endless support.
“It was my father who was instrumental in my decision to take up water sports,” Mohsin said. The lanky Mohsin added that despite financial hardships and taking care of a five-member family, his father ensured that he developed a keen interest in water sports from a very young age.
“Water sports is my passion, and I dream of representing India at the international level. To see my dreams actualise, I row a Shikara and share the burden of my family and buying the necessary diet that I require for training,” Mohsin said.
A resident of Kand Mohalla inside Dal Lake, who started his water sports journey as a seven-year-old, Mohsin said, apart from his father, he would also credit the Jammu and Kashmir Kayaking and Canoeing Association.
“They are also instrumental in my success, as the association provided me with the necessary training and infrastructure,” he said.
Mohsin’s achievement is noteworthy considering that while he has not participated in many national events, he was able to emerge triumphant over other athletes who have more experience and even international exposure.
“It is very difficult for me to purchase the necessary diet for participating in such events, as professional water sports athletes are supposed to have a protein-rich, carbohydrate-rich, electrolyte-rich diet, which I am not able to afford due to meagre means,” Mohsin said.
However, Mohsin did not let this come in his way of success, and with his strong determination, he was able to overcome all the hurdles.
“The thing that really keeps me going is the burning desire to represent the country at international events like Asian Games, World Championship, and Olympics,” he said.
Mohsin believes that practicing on the waters of Dal Lake in high-altitude Kashmir helps develop better stamina, which other athletes from across the country lack.
“Most of them come from the plains. So I have a strong feeling that if I continue to work hard the way I have, it is not far off when I will represent the country in international events,” he said.
While rowing the Shikara after returning from school every day kept him humble, the gold medal at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 can become the much-needed impetus that his career needs.
Agencies