Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 18: A water sports delegation today demanded greater institutional support and infrastructural development to promote water-based sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
A spokesperson said that a high-level delegation comprising national medal-winning athletes and office bearers from various water sports associations met Jammu and Kashmir’s Sports Minister Satish Sharma today, pressing for enhanced support and facilities in the region.
“The delegation, led by Dr. Burhan Bazaz, President of the J&K Rowing and Sculling Association, included senior stakeholders such as Dr. Imran Nazir, Hussain Khan, Latif Ahmad, and others. The meeting was both warm and purposeful, with a shared vision to transform J&K into a national and international hub for rowing, kayaking, sculling, and canoeing,” the spokesperson said.
He added that the athletes highlighted their consistent medal-winning performances at national events despite minimal institutional support. Much of their success, he noted, was made possible through the guidance of Bilquis Mir, an internationally acclaimed water sports athlete and coach.
The spokesperson said the delegation also pointed to the immense untapped potential of water bodies like Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Manasbal, Ranjit Sagar dam and Mansar for hosting national and international competitions. “They emphasized that local youth, already skilled in paddling, could be developed into elite athletes through proper training, modern equipment, and regular exposure,” he said.
However, he added that the delegation also raised concerns over delayed access to training facilities, poor financial assistance, and lack of coordination among departments.
In response, Minister Sharma assured the delegation that all genuine grievances would be addressed. “We are committed to ensuring the holistic development of water sports in the Union Territory,” he said.
As a gesture of encouragement, the minister announced a cash prize of Rs 25,000 for recent medal winners and invited associations to submit detailed proposals for events, infrastructure, and coaching programs.
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