Sajad Ahmad Mir, a dedicated Physical Education Teacher in the department of Youth Services & Sports District Anantnag, is making significant strides in empowering young girls through sports, reshaping lives and breaking gender stereotypes.
Hailing from a small village in Anantnag town, Mir’s journey from being a sports student to a national-level coach has become a beacon of hope for many female students aspiring to excel in sports and pursue it as a career. His commitment to the cause of empowerment has garnered attention and accolades, turning him into an inspiration in the region.
Mir, a Nagpur International marathon player and a National Level player in Netball, Softball, and Cricket, has not only excelled in sports personally but has also accumulated numerous certificates in his coaching career. As a former National Level coach of the cricket team of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (JKUT), his influence extends beyond the field.
Under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao program initiated by the Government of India in 2015, Mir implemented a curriculum encouraging students, especially girls, to participate in sports, NCC, and other extracurricular activities. He has organized over 500 awareness campaigns in remote villages of the Kashmir Valley, promoting sports and breaking barriers.
In his pursuit of promoting sports among girls, Mir addressed the challenges of stereotypes and lack of encouragement. He took initiative to convince parents to support their daughters in joining sports, NCC, and cultural activities. His efforts led to the normalization of female participation in sports competitions, NCC, and cultural activities by 2015 in the region.
Mir’s impact goes beyond the field, with his students achieving success at the District, UT, and National Levels in various sports and activities. Ruby Syed, a Ranji Cricket Player, credits Mir for changing her life and recently received an invitation for Women IPL Trials from Gujarat Giants.
Ayman Mukhtar, introduced to softball by Mir, has participated in numerous championships and Nationals, attributing her success to his mentorship. Fiza Bareed, inspired by Mir, has won 25 local championships and holds a Gold Medal in a Toy Making Competition at the UT Level.
Mehak Yousuf, a permanent member of the JK Women Cricket Team and a Ranji player, aspires to participate in the Women IPL at the National and International levels. She emphasizes breaking stereotypes and encourages other girls to pursue sports.
Sajad Ahmad Mir remains steadfast in his goal of empowering girls through sports, believing that education goes beyond academics. He emphasizes the transformative power of sports, instilling qualities such as patience, resilience, consistency, and hard work. As Mir continues his mission, he envisions a future where more girls embrace sports, gaining essential social, leadership skills, and self-confidence.