Srinagar, Sept 23: The 7kms Swimathon Challenge – 2024, a significant event organized by the Swim N Survive Society Kashmir in collaboration with the Underwater Sports Association of J&K, has successfully concluded. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 16 experienced long-distance swimmers, including one female participant, showcasing remarkable endurance and skill.
The event was formally inaugurated by Shakeel Ahmad, President of the Swim N Survive Society – Kashmir, in the presence of the Secretary and Event Incharge, Yasir Makhdoomi. The swimmers embarked on their 7km journey from the Nigeen Water Sports Centre, completing 7 challenging laps towards the houseboat area. Their progress was meticulously tracked using Garmin Fenix 7, while Zaid Bin Riyaz and Musa Shakeel played pivotal roles as event volunteers, ensuring smooth proceedings.
Among the participants were several renowned names in the swimming and adventure sports community, including swimming and cycling expert Riyaz Wani, national-level swimmers Junaid Sofi, Mohd Daaib Bhat and Azaan Bashir Wani. Other notable participants included Javaid Ahmad, national fin swimming medalist Owais Rashid, senior swimming trainer Zahid Iqbal, and several prominent adventure enthusiasts like Dr. Sheikh Tariq Ahmad, a plastic surgeon with a passion for sports. The list of participants also featured Moonis Majid Wani, Muhammad Zaid Wani, Mansoor Hafiz Gilkar, Younis Ahmad Reshi, Sheikh Rashid Fayaz and the sole female swimmer, Fatima Imran.
One of the highlights of the event was the participation of Javaid Ahmad alongside his son, marking a special moment of family bonding through sports. Ahmad expressed his pride in completing the challenge together with his son and acknowledged the organizers and sponsors for facilitating such a memorable experience.
Faiptima Imran, the only female participant, also garnered much admiration for her grit and determination, successfully completing the swimathon. Her accomplishment was a source of immense pride for her parents, who were present throughout the event, supporting her journey and witnessing her success.
At the closing ceremony, all participants were awarded certificates of participation, along with special finisher gifts to commemorate their achievement. The valedictory event was graced by representatives from M/s Noor Ud Din Showkat Ahmad, the sponsors of the event, alongside key officials from Swim N Survive Society – Kashmir, including Yasir Makhdoomi, Shahid Kawoosa, and Saleem Wani.
The chief guests applauded the swimmers for their resilience and dedication in completing the rigorous 7km challenge. They expressed their admiration for the participants’ perseverance and pledged continued support for such events in the future, emphasizing the importance of promoting adventure and endurance sports in the region.
Yasir Makhdoomi, Secretary of the Swim N Survive Society – Kashmir and the event’s incharge, expressed heartfelt gratitude to M/s Noor Ud Din Showkat Ahmad, a wholesale cloth merchant from S. R. Gunj, for their valuable sponsorship, which played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the swimathon. Makhdoomi acknowledged that such support is instrumental in promoting sports culture and encouraging participation in physically demanding challenges, particularly in the field of aquatic sports.
The event stands as a testament to the growing interest and commitment to adventure sports in Kashmir, reflecting both individual achievement and community support in nurturing a healthy, active lifestyle. The organizers look forward to hosting similar events in the future, further strengthening the region’s reputation for excellence in water-based and endurance sports.
