Kashmir to Host Asian-Level Sports Events in September: Secy Sports Council

Srinagar, Aug 23: Secretary J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul on Saturday said that Jammu and Kashmir is set to host two major Asian-level championships in September, as the Union Territory continues to emerge as a hub for sports and water-based activities.Speaking at the closing of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake, She highlighted the participation of athletes and officials from across the country. “Almost 28 states and different board, five disciplines, 500 athletes and their support staff together, 800 to 900 people came. And even now you can see people from national media, local media, bloggers, columnists, because this is an initiative to establish water sports here, run it in a genuine way and do an annual event, Khelo India Water Sports for Dal Lake,” she said. Gul said that the festival was not only about competition but also an effort to showcase Kashmir’s heritage and hospitality. “We were trying to show our culture, our hospitality, our heritage and our overall culture. We have been successful in that because you interviewed the children, met the children, everyone enjoyed it a lot. Everyone praised their food and accommodation. And I believe that when they leave from here, they will become our ambassadors,” she said. She added that local athletes gained valuable exposure by competing at the national level. “Our children also got a big lesson, because they saw the competition at the national level, what it is like. In the coming days, I see it increasing and flourishing a lot, so that for our children and other sportspersons, a golden opportunity and a podium is ready in the future,” she said.She noted that medals were also won by local participants. “For local, gold has also come, silver has also come, the bronze of the other child has also come. So this is just the beginning. And our children have won medals at national podiums before this,” she said. Highlighting the growing interest of national federations in J&K, she said, “You must have seen that there is a Wushu Asian level selection camp here. So why J&K is becoming a destination for holding such events? Because somewhere or the other, we were successful in bringing the infrastructure and the coordination and support system. All the associations and federations want to hold as many national events as possible in J&K.” Announcing future events, Gul said: “By the end of September, we are going to hold an Asian-level championship here in Panjshir which has been confirmed by 10 countries so far. Similarly, we have the Asian Championship for Gymnastics, which has been confirmed by 8 countries.” She concluded that Kashmir’s image is steadily expanding beyond tourism. “This is a very good picture. Apart from tourism, Kashmir was known for tourism. In the coming days, I am seeing that Kashmir will be known for sports tourism,” Gul said.