Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: In a significant development, Kiran Wattal has been unanimously re-elected as the President of the Gymnastics Association of J&K (GAJK). A veteran sports administrator and dedicated promoter of gymnastics, Wattal’s leadership was widely acknowledged for taking the sport to new heights over the last term (2019–2025).
Alongside Wattal, Anil Khajuria S/o Inderjit Khajuria was elected as Senior Vice President, Anil Khajuria S/o DD Khajuria as General Secretary, Rakesh Malhotra as Treasurer and Tajinder Singh as Associate Secretary. However, no nominations were received for the posts of Vice President and Working President. Out of 37 eligible voters, 23 participated—20 in person, 2 via authorization letters and 1 (Shilpa Gupta) through video conference—surpassing the required quorum.
Wattal said, “I am thankful to all members for reposing their faith in me once again. With continued support, we will further strengthen our infrastructure and coaching systems. JKGA is committed to producing world-class gymnasts who will make J&K and the nation proud.”
Under Wattal’s leadership, JKGA has recorded tremendous success. In the last five years, J&K gymnasts have won 64 medals at national events, including 16 Gold, 35 Silver, and 13 Bronze, and 14 gymnasts have represented India at prestigious international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships.
Wattal maintained that LG Manoj Sinha’s vision and leadership have played a crucial role in promoting sports in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi Government’s liberal funding has enabled JKGA to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure and provide training to gymnasts.
Wattal also lauded the J&K administration, especially Sarmad Hafeez and Nuzhat Gul, for their vital support in advancing gymnastics. He also credited Omar Abdullah’s Government for laying the groundwork and Sports Minister Satish Sharma for his instrumental role in the sport’s promotion.
An engineer by profession, Kiran Wattal has held several key administrative positions, including Commissioner of Jammu Municipal Corporation, where he played a vital role in transforming civic infrastructure. A graduate in Civil Engineering (BE), with advanced training in SWM (UK) and HWS (Sweden), Wattal has also served as Managing Director of J&K Housing Board, Chief Engineer UEED and Secretary of J&K State Sports Council.
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