Coach Wins Court Battle for Asian Games Spot

International canoeing coach Bilquis Mir has obtained a crucial no-objection certificate from the Jammu and Kashmir government, ending a lengthy court battle for her participation in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The Supreme Court mandated the government to issue the necessary documents by September 15, allowing Mir to join the Indian national kayaking and canoeing team.

The Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association initially requested Mir's services on February 3, 2026, followed by multiple reminders. However, the government failed to issue a decision, prompting the association to file a writ petition in the High Court on April 30, 2026. The association sought Mir's involvement from February 15 to September 2026 for team preparation.

Despite an initial High Court order on May 6, 2026, granting provisional permission, the Jammu and Kashmir government denied the NOC on June 19, citing an ongoing inquiry and qualification concerns. The Supreme Court, in its September 10 order, quashed the government's denial, recognizing the imminent nature of the Asian Games assignment and the potential for effective relief denial through further remand.

Mir, a physical education teacher with the Department of Youth Services and Sports in Jammu and Kashmir, was also selected to officiate at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup in Hungary. The court's final decision emphasized the need to consider national sporting assignments within the correct factual setting, moving beyond ordinary service issue considerations.