From the Valleys to the Courts, Breaking Barriers for Kashmiri Women in Sports

My Journey

From Jammu and Kashmir to Building Dreams in Bangalore I am Mehpara Mughal, born and raised in the mesmerizing valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, a place I am proud to call home. Five years ago, I made a life-changing decision to leave my state and venture out into the world. Today, I am in Bangalore, building a career in sports—a journey that has been full of challenges but also immense growth and fulfillment. Leaving My Roots Behind Growing up in Jammu and Kashmir, I was surrounded by breathtaking beauty and a rich cultural heritage. However, I always knew that I wanted to do something different, something that would make a difference in the world of sports. Opportunities in my field were limited back home, and I realized that to achieve my goals, I would have to step out of my comfort zone. Leaving my family, friends, and everything familiar was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made. But I knew that staying within the boundaries of comfort wouldn’t lead me to where I wanted to be. After completing my Masters in Sports Psychology from Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar. I packed my bags, said goodbye to my home and started working as a Behaviour therapist in Ludhiana. After this I decided to learn more and again I said goodbye and set out for Bangalore—a city I had only heard about but would soon come to embrace as my second home.

Embracing challenges in sports

When I first started working with athletes, I quickly realized that the world of sports is both demanding and competitive. It’s a field that requires you to be disciplined, focused, and always willing to push your limits. For me, the challenges were even greater because I was new to the city and the industry. I had to prove myself every step of the way. At first, there were doubts—doubts from others and even doubts within myself. People questioned whether I could handle the intense demands of the profession or whether I truly understood what it takes to work with athletes. But I was determined to rise above those doubts. I worked tirelessly to learn, grow, and adapt. I made it my mission to understand the unique needs of each athlete I worked with, to support them in their journey to reach their full potential. Over time, my dedication began to pay off, and I earned the trust and respect of those around me.

Challenges as a Muslim in Sports

Being a Muslim in the world of sports has brought its own set of challenges. At times, I found myself navigating a field where understanding of my faith was limited, making it more complex to balance professional responsibilities with religious practices. These experiences weren’t always easy, but they taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to my identity while carving out my path in the industry. Additionally, being from Jammu and Kashmir has presented its own hurdles. People often judge me or question me about my state, associating me with stereotypes or misconceptions. These judgments sometimes overshadow my abilities and achievements, forcing me to work even harder to prove myself. Despite these challenges, I’ve embraced them as opportunities to represent my community and foster greater understanding through my actions and dedication.

My Life in Bangalore

Bangalore has been a place of immense learning and growth for me. The city, with its vibrant culture and endless opportunities, welcomed me with open arms. It was not easy to adjust to a new environment, but the challenges only made me stronger. Every day in Bangalore has been a step forward in my journey. I’ve built relationships, gained

valuable experience, and grown not just as a professional but also as an individual.

Lessons from My Journey

Looking back, I realize that every challenge I faced has been a stepping stone to where I am today. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has taught me the value of resilience, hard work, and self-belief. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to step into the unknown. Growth happens when you leave your comfort zone and take on challenges head-on.

My Message to Others

To anyone reading my story, I want to say this: never stop believing in yourself. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what obstacles stand in your way. If you have a dream, chase it with everything you’ve got. Your journey might be tough, and you may face moments of doubt, but those moments will shape you. They will make you stronger, more focused, and more determined to succeed.

This is my story—a story of leaving home, embracing challenges, and never giving up. It’s a journey that I’m proud of and one that reminds me every day that dreams are worth pursuing, no matter how tough the road may be.