Mehak Mushtaq was born and raised in Palhallan, Pattan, in the Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir, a region where opportunities for women in competitive sports, particularly cycling, were once extremely limited. From these very roads, Mehak began a journey that would eventually make her the first senior female cyclist of Jammu & Kashmir, breaking long-standing barriers and redefining what was possible for women athletes in the region.
Her early interest in cycling was driven by passion rather than recognition. Training on uneven roads and challenging terrain, often with limited resources, she gradually built physical strength, mental endurance, and discipline. With consistent effort and self-belief, her dedication started to reflect in competition. She rose through the ranks at the district level, winning three district gold medals in Baramulla and establishing herself as a promising cyclist.
As her confidence and performance grew, Mehak stepped onto the state stage, competing in Jammu where she secured state-level gold medals, including a major victory in 2025. Alongside her sporting journey, she represented Kashmir University in inter-college competitions, where she achieved a gold medal in cycling in 2021 and later earned a bronze medal in 2023. These accomplishments highlighted her ability to balance academics with competitive sports.
Endurance cycling emerged as one of Mehak’s strongest areas. In 2021, she won a gold medal in the cycle expedition from Baramulla to Kaman Post, a demanding route that tested both stamina and determination. Her dominance continued in the Jhelum Cycle Rally from Baramulla to Kaman Post, where she secured gold medals in consecutive years, 2023 and 2024. In 2022, she also claimed gold in the Pedal Against Drugs cycling event held in Sopore, using sport as a platform to support social awareness and positive change.
Her consistent performances opened doors to national-level competitions. Mehak represented Jammu & Kashmir in the 28th National Road Cycling Championship held in Karnataka during 2023–24 and again at the 30th National Road Cycling Championship in Sambalpur, Odisha in 2025. She also participated in major national events such as the HCL Cyclothon Chennai in 2025, gaining valuable experience and exposure alongside top cyclists from across India.
Recognition followed her achievements. In 2021, she was honored with the Young Achievers Award in Sports for her early impact in cycling. In 2023, the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla presented her with an Appreciation Award in recognition of her contribution to sports in the district. Another proud moment came in 2025 when she took part in the 79-kilometre cycle rally from Bandipora to Srinagar and received an award from LG Manoj Sinha.
Looking ahead, Mehak Mushtaq remains focused on the road ahead. She is preparing for upcoming national events, including HCL Bangalore on 7 February 2026 and the MTB National Championship scheduled to be held in Arunachal Pradesh from 10 to 14 February 2026. Her journey continues to inspire young girls across Jammu & Kashmir, proving that determination, discipline, and courage can turn even the most challenging paths into stories of success.