Srinagar, Sep 06: The concluding ceremony of the 22nd Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory (UT) Squash Championship 2023, organized by the J&K Squash Rackets Association in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, concluded on Wednesday at the Squash Complex, Gindun Stadium, Rajbagh, Srinagar. Secretary of J&K Sports Council, Ms. Nuzhat Gul, witnessed a remarkable display of talent and sportsmanship at the event.
In an electrifying competition, Adil Rafiq claimed the Men’s Over 35 titles, while Fahad Mushtaq emerged victorious in the Men’s category. Notably, Adil Rafiq secured his fifth consecutive UT Championship title, establishing himself as a true champion in the sport.
Over 438 players from various registered clubs and districts across Srinagar, Kupwara, Bandipora, Budgam, Udhampur, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Jammu participated in the five-day UT Level Squash Championship in Srinagar. The tournament featured players from 11 districts competing in various age and gender categories, including Under 11 Boys, Under 13 Boys & Girls, Under 15 Boys & Girls, Under 17 Boys & Girls, Under 19 Boys & Girls, Youth U 21 Boys, Senior Men, Men’s Over 35, and Women.
Nuzhat Gul, the Chief Guest of the event, commended the J&K Squash Rackets Association for organizing the championship with professionalism and collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council. She expressed her hope for the continued organization of such tournaments, with the full support of the Sports Council, to elevate the sport of squash in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. Gul also expressed her pride in the participation of numerous female athletes.
During her address, Ms. Nuzhat Gul passionately advocated for a drug-free lifestyle, chanting the slogan “SAY NO TO DRUGS, YES TO SPORTS” repeatedly. The enthusiastic response from the participating athletes indicated the slogan’s popularity and resonance within the community.
Gul extended her congratulations to the J&K Sports Council staff, officials, registered clubs, and district units for their significant contributions to the event’s success. Guest of Honours, Muzaffar Hussain Wani, Divisional Sports Officer, Kashmir, and Kabra Altaf, an Outstanding Athlete and Member of the J&K Sports Council, graced the occasion. Chairman of the Kashmir Pro Sports Academy, Mir Basharat, and Hilal Ahmad, Deputy Manager of Gindun Sports Center, Srinagar, also attended the concluding function as Special Guests. Additionally, the function saw the presence of association office bearers, district heads, and club heads.
Nuzhat Gul distributed medals and trophies to the deserving athletes, encouraging them to continue honing their skills in squash. Tokens of appreciation were presented to Nuzhat Gul and other dignitaries by event organizers.
In closing, the championship, which was generously sponsored by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, was declared a resounding success, celebrating the spirit of squash and promoting a drug-free, sports-driven lifestyle among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
