Srinagar, June 02 – Chief Secretary S.S. Kapur has said that government is committed to promote sports activities in the J&K state, adding that the necessary infrastructure would be provided for the purpose.
Declaring the 8th All India Police Water Sports Championship open at Dal Lake Srinagar today with release of pigeons and multi colour balloons, Mr. Kapur said that the State has great potential for promoting adventure tourism due to vast potential of water bodies like, waterfalls, lakes and rivers.
Among others present on the occasion were Financial Commissioner Home, Sameul Verghese, Transport Commissioner, M.K. Mohanty, Director General CID, Ashok Bhan, Director SKIMS,. Abdul Hamid Zargar, Director Tourism, Farooq Ahmad Shah and other senior officers.
Hailing the efforts of police department for organizing such event, the Chief Secretary said that more events needed to be organized for promoting sports activities in the state as these promote harmony, unity and mutual brotherhood.
Eighteen teams representing different states of the country are participating in the championship in which contest for three disciplines i.e. Kayaking, Canoeing and Rowing will be organized. About 350 players will participate in these events which will last for seven days.
The Chief Secretary asked the players to be ambassadors of peace and promote Kashmiri culture and tourism across India as Kashmir Valley is a renowned tourist spot and safe destination.
Earlier, the teams led by J&K Police presented a paddle past in well decorated shikaras before the audience. International Kayaker, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Lattoo read out the oath on the occasion and the championship flag was unfurled.
A souvenir on 8th All India Police Water Sports Championship 2009 was also released by the chief guest on the occasion.