AQUATIC SPORTS: Omar calls for tapping, grooming raw talent in J&K

Asks associations to formulate plans for kayaking, canoeing tourneys

Outlining the vast potential of J&K in aquatic sports, Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah has called for tapping raw talent of our youth and properly grooming it so that we produce sportspersons of national and international standard. He said nature has bestowed us with great water-bodies, which are ideal for hosting water sports on a bigger scale.

The Chief Minister said this while chairing a meeting held at Srinagar today to discuss various issues pertaining to development of water-sports in the State.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar, President, Kayaking and Canoeing Association, Dr. Mustafa Kamal, Legislators, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan, Mr. Abdul Gani Vakil, Mr. Mubarak Gul, Mr. Saifullah Mir, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Mr. Nasir Sogami, representing various water-sports associations of J&K and President, Hockey India, Treasurer, IOA and Organizing Committee, Commonwealth Games, New Delhi, 2010, Mr. Ashok Mattoo participated in the meeting.

Promising full support to water-sports bodies in nurturing talent in aquatic sports, Mr. Abdullah said avenues have to be created to maximize potential for which a coordinated effort is required. He said besides conventional sports like hockey and soccer, State must focus on promoting adventure and water-sports in a big way.

The Chief Minister said kayaking, canoeing, water-rafting, waterskiing and dragon-boat racing can easily be held in Dal and other lakes of the State. He asked the associations to formulate plans in this regard.

Later, Dr. Kamal gave a resume of water-sports activities that have been held in J&K since 1986. He said the Kayaking and Canoeing Association intends to hold dragon-boat race and waterskiing championships in near future.

The meeting also discussed issues related to infrastructure facilities for aquatic sports and hosting of tourneys.

President, Hockey India, apprised the Committee of the schemes under which sports associations can seek Central assistance for promotion of water sports in the State.