Katra/Jammu,October 14 (Scoop News) -Wrestler Vijay Pal from Utter Pardesh won the 6th Mission Dosti Rustem-E-Indo-Pak wrestling title at jam packed Vivekanand Sports Stadium, Katra by defeating his Pakistani rival wrestler Bashir Bhola in a thirteen minutes long interesting final bout on Thursday.
The wrestling championship was organized as a part of Navratra Festival by the J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association with the active support of Mata Vaishno Devi ne Board (SMVDSB), J&K Tourism Department, Navratra Festival Committee, Katra Municipal Committee, District Administration and locals of Katra.
In other main contests, Wrestler Israr of Pakistan defeated Indian wrestler Benia, Wrestler Bilu of India defeated Pakistani Wrestler Safdar Ali. Likewise Wrester Mehroop of Pakistan defeated Indian Wrestler Sonu.
The Minister for Youth Services and Sports, R.S.Chib who was the chief guest on the occasion complemented the J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, SMVDSB, Distrcit Administration and all other agencies for holding Indo-Pak wrestling event at Katra, the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Cave ne to promote goodwill between the two countries.
Chib said that India always favoured pleasant relationship with Pakistan adding that some vested interest do not want that peace should prevail in the sub continent. He said wrestling being the most popular game especially in the rural areas of both the countries, would defiantly act as a bridge to spread peace and brotherhood in this region.
To encourage supports culture in the state, the Minister said that adequate sports infrastruture is being created at block and panchyat level so that young players be encouraged by organizing maximum sports events near to there door steps. He also complemented the SMVDSB authorities for taking extra initiative to develop the Vivkananad Sports Stadium Katra on modern pattern for which a comprehensive project has already been prepared. He further said that provision of Akhara (wrestling court) would also be kept in the stadium to boost wrestling game.
Vijay Pal was awarded Silver Gurj, Patta and cash prize of Rs.31,000 and the runner up got cash of Rs.20,000 jointly by the chief guest.
District Administration have made elaborate arrangements of security, traffic regulations, driking water and power supply and sanitation etc.
Among others, Legislatures, Baldev Raj Sharma, Ashok Khajuria and Ashwani Sharma, Aditional Chief Executive Officer , SMVDSB, District Development Commissioner Reasi, P.K. Pole, Senior Superintendent of Police, Anand Jain, Assistant Commissioner Revenue (Nodal Officer Navrata Festival Katra), Sukhdev Singh, President J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, Members of the Navratra festival committee, prominent citizens, large number of yatris and local people were present on the occasion.