Div Com flags-off Dragon Boat Team for Kerala

Says slew of measures being taken to promote water sports in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, APRIL 05: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today flagged-off 28 members Team of J&K Dragon Boat Association (DBA) at Zabarwan Park here, for their participation in the National Championship to be held at Alappuzha, Kerala from 8th to 10th April 2022.

Speaking on the occasion, the Div Com said that the team has experienced players who have participated in International events and wished them success in the competition.

He said Kashmir has huge potential for water sports and the government is taking slew of measures to promote such events and added that the open marathon of Kayaking and canoeing conducted recently in Jhelum is one such step.

He said that the administration is keenly working to provide opportunities to Youth to exhibit their potential.

The Div Com said that two Youth Clubs have been formed in every village and have been provided sports kits containing items of five sports. Besides, playgrounds have also been developed in villages to provide space for playing games to youngsters.

Regarding curbing drug addiction among Youth, he said “We have established drug de-addiction centres in seven districts to bring Youth back from drug abuse and involve them in different activities to save their future and society”.

Regarding curbing of opium cultivation, Div Com said that strict action has been taken against such farmers who cultivate opium and FIRs have been registered against them.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by  President JKDBA MS Punoo; President  Er Aamir Ali; Senior Vice President J&K DBA, Yaqoob Bhat; Vice President, Muzaffar A Shah; Jt Secy JK DBA.

Others who participated include Deputy Commandant SDRF Rashad Khan;  Director Khyber Industries Abdul Manan Trumboo; Director TCI Cements  Mohammad Yaqoob; CEO Elfa International  Mehran Khan, Tabsum Geelani and Hakim Ilyas from Ehsaas International, Faisal Khan from Olympic Sports and other prominent citizens and sports enthusiasts.

It was also informed that Farooq Ahmad Bhat, Coach from J&K Police Water Sports Team has been selected by the Asian Dragon Boat Federation as Official Member, for conduct of Dragon Boat event during the 19th Asian Games 2022 to be held at Hangzhou China in the month of September 2022.

The team has been sponsored by Khyber Industries Pvt. Ltd. and co-sponsored by J&K Youth Services and Sports, HK Cements, TCI Cements, Kashmir Mahal Resorts, Elfa International and Ehsaas International.