Jammu & Kashmir/ Danish Ali

A 2012-2 batch officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), Anissa currently serves as the Chief Sports Officer in the J&K Sports Council under the Department of Youth Services and Sports. But her story stretches far beyond the corridors of civil service.

In a bureaucratic landscape often defined by files, policies, and endless meetings, Anissa Nabi has emerged as a remarkable exception by blending the precision of administration with the passion of athletics.

Anissa's journey is an embodiment of grit, endurance, and inspiration — not just as an administrator, but as an athlete, mentor, and community builder who is transforming the narrative around women and fitness in Jammu and Kashmir.

Before taking the reins of the J&K Sports Council, Anissa Nabi held crucial positions in various departments including the Civil Secretariat, Revenue, State Taxes, National Rural Livelihood Mission, and Rural Development Department.

Known for her competence and dynamism in governance, she simultaneously nurtured her passion for sports — often running at dawn before heading to work.

“It was never about choosing between the two,” she says. “It was about bringing discipline from athletics into administration and compassion from public service into my sporting pursuits.”

A seasoned athlete, Anissa has participated in numerous short and long-distance races at both state and national levels.

Her achievements include gold medals in the 100m and 200m races at the State Masters Athletic Championships, and a silver medal in the 800m race at the All India Masters Athletics Championship — a testament to her dedication and athleticism.

She has also successfully accomplished some of the most prestigious half marathons in the world, including the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Tata Mumbai Marathon, and the Dubai Marathon — events that attract elite athletes from across the globe.

Beyond competitive running, Anissa is a champion social causes. She has served as an ambassador for numerous awareness runs focused on women's health, education, and empowerment, and is officially recognized as a Fit India Movement Ambassador — a role that underscores her commitment to promoting wellness and fitness among the youth and the wider community.

In a region where women's participation in sports is often limited by cultural and societal barriers, Anissa has worked to break those taboos — not through lectures or campaigns, but by leading from the front, literally.

One of her most impactful initiatives is the Wondrous Women Community, a fitness-oriented movement she founded to inspire women across J&K to embrace healthier lifestyles.

The platform offers fitness guidance, mental health awareness, and motivational stories — all aimed at fostering a supportive network for women, many of whom are stepping into sports for the first time in their lives.

“Wondrous Women is more than a fitness group; it’s a safe space where women uplift each other, discover their inner strength, and rewrite what it means to be fit in today’s world,” Anissa told Awaz-The Voice.

As a Pickleball Ambassador for Jammu and Kashmir, Anissa has also been instrumental in popularizing this fast-growing racket sport in the region.

Her involvement reflects a broader commitment to diversifying sports infrastructure and opportunities in J&K — from grassroots-level games to international disciplines.

Anissa's passion extends into adventure sports and outdoor challenges, making her a multifaceted fitness enthusiast. Whether it’s trekking in the Himalayas or organizing community marathons, she brings unmatched energy and leadership to everything she does.

In her current role as Chief Sports Officer, Anissa Nabi is uniquely placed to shape the sporting future of Jammu and Kashmir. Her dual identity as a bureaucrat and athlete allows her to contribute with insight and empathy towards a number of initiatives — from improving sports infrastructure and promoting athlete welfare to encouraging more inclusive participation in athletics, especially among women and youth.

Her story is more than just one of personal success. It is about breaking glass ceilings — be it in government offices or on running tracks — and paving the way for others to dream bigger.

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As Kashmir continues to evolve socially and culturally, women like Anissa Nabi stand as powerful reminders that fitness, leadership, and public service are not separate paths — they are part of the same journey, each bold stride redefining what’s possible.