*Dy CM pledges strong support for sports development in J&K
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 29: The 29th JKUT Billiards and Snooker Championship concluded at Billiards Hall, M A Stadium, here today, with thrilling final matches across sub-junior, junior and senior categories. Organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Billiards and Snooker Association (JKBSA) under the aegis of the J&K Sports Council, the championship witnessed participation from nearly 200 players across the Union Territory, reflecting the growing popularity of cue sports in J&K.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary attended the closing ceremony as chief guest, accompanied by Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani. Secretary, J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, along with senior officials and sports enthusiasts, was also present.
In Sub-Junior Snooker, Hardik Gupta defeated Masrouf Hussain to claim the title. Junior Snooker saw Irhaam Parvez emerge victorious over Sourav Santhay. Waseem Iqbal clinched the Senior Snooker crown, with Younis Nazir Kuchey finishing second. In Senior Billiards, Suhail Khalid defeated Abhishek Pathania to emerge victorious.
The championship was conducted under the leadership of Nikhil Kapahi, President JKBSA, with Gurjeev Singh as Organising Secretary. Others present on the occasion were Sohail Khalid, Vishal Abrol, Lokesh Sharma, Ishan Sharma, Umar Humayun, Jaideep Manocha, Zeeshan Ahmed, Salim Bandey and Sunil Jain. Experienced markers Rakesh Sharma, Raveez Ahmed, Ashok Kumar and Manohar Nath ensured smooth conduct of the tournament.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary congratulated the winners and participants, stating, “Sports play a vital role in keeping individuals physically and mentally fit. It serves as a powerful medium to channelize the energy of youth towards a positive and constructive direction.”
He further added, “The Jammu and Kashmir Government is giving special focus to the promotion of sports and is committed to creating world-class sports infrastructure in all districts of J&K. We will continue to support sporting bodies and associations to nurture talent and provide platforms for young athletes to excel at national and international levels.”
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