In a groundbreaking achievement for the Union Territory, Shaheen Akhtar, a former national-level volleyball player from District Poonch, has become the first woman from Jammu and Kashmir to qualify as a Level-1 Volleyball Coach under the prestigious International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
Shaheen successfully completed an intensive five-day coaching course conducted by the BVL Foundation of Assam in Guwahati, emerging as one of just 12 selected participants from across the country — and the only candidate from J&K.
A Career Rooted in Dedication and Excellence
With a rich background in volleyball, Shaheen has long represented Jammu and Kashmir at the national level, earning accolades for her skill and dedication. She further honed her coaching abilities by completing the NS NIS (National Institute of Sports) certification from Bangalore, widely regarded as one of the top coaching credentials in India.
Currently, she is actively coaching young athletes — especially girls — at the Shaheed DySP Manjit Singh Memorial Volleyball Club in Poonch. Her mentorship is playing a vital role in encouraging sports participation and building a sports culture in the region, often challenged by limited infrastructure and opportunities.
“Shaheen’s achievement is a proud moment for the entire region. She is breaking barriers and setting an example for many girls in Jammu and Kashmir who aspire to make a mark in sports,” said Mohd Tariq, Chairman of the Volleyball Club.
Inspiration Beyond the Court
Her success was lauded by the entire volleyball fraternity, with special appreciation extended to Abhijit Bhattacharya, course organizer, and G.E. Sridharan, former national coach of India, who shared invaluable insights and experiences during the training.
“Being trained under such experienced mentors during the course was a transformative experience. It has equipped me with modern techniques and coaching strategies that I can now pass on to the next generation of athletes in J&K,” Shaheen said, beaming with pride.
A New Chapter for Women in Sports Coaching
Shaheen’s milestone is being celebrated not just as a personal victory but as a symbol of progress for women in sports in Jammu and Kashmir. In a region where sports participation among women often faces social and logistical barriers, her success provides a beacon of hope.
“We hope her journey motivates more women to step into coaching and leadership roles in sports,” said a senior official from the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council.
With her achievement, Shaheen Akhtar has not only carved out her own legacy but has also taken a monumental step toward redefining the landscape of women’s sports in the Union Territory.
