All India Inter-University Kayaking, Canoeing C’ship begins in Kashmir

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All India Inter-University Kayaking and Canoeing Championship for men and women organized by the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, Kashmir University (KU) at Nageen Lake Hazratbal Srinagar takes of today.

Dean Academic Affairs, Prof A.R Yousuf inaugurated the five days event.

Prof Yousuf asked the players present from the other states to be ambassadors of Kashmir and spread the message of good will and brotherhood around and asked the players to exhibit their talent keeping in view the sportsmanship spirit.

“True sportsmanship is concentrated ability enlivened with appreciation of the performance of others, he said . And when this is manifested, every one, both players and spectators, receive upliftment as well as good entertainment added Prof A R Yousuf

Prof Noof Mohammad Baba Dean social sciences and noted scholar of Political Science asked the players to demonstrate t the real spirit of sportsmanship.

The Director Physical Education and Sports department KU, Prof Nisar Ahmad Rather, in his welcome address expressed satisfaction over the arrangements for the tournament and said the his directorate is receiving support and cooperation from all quarters.”
About the Kayaking and Canoeing event, he said, “There will be 63 recognized races in different categories including K-l, K-2, K-4 for men and women and C-1, C-2 and C-4 for men. The races will be in 200 meter, 500 meter and 1000 meter. The competition in 1000 meter kayaking for women will be held for the first time in any inter-university level championship.” Prof Nisar said that it was on the instance of KU that Kayaking and Canoeing was included in inter-university calendar in 1998. “Valley has got number of water bodies and a water sport is always going to be among the top sports here. It was KU which persuaded Association of Indian Universities to include it in inter-university sports calendar in 1998,” he said.

The first championship was held in Kerala in 1999 and the second was hosted by the KU in 2000. Out of total five inter-university championships, the KU has organized it thrice, last time in 2007. Since most of the Indian Universities neither have expertise nor infrastructure, the championships in these sports are not regularly conducted.
Pertinently, the KU is the only university in the country, which has its Kayaking and Canoeing centre. The University has 24 modern kayaks and canoes and number of local and imported paddles. With the availability of this equipment Nigeen lake has become a major Kayaking and Canoeing centre. The conduct of these tournaments will restore the glory of pristine Nigeen lake and attract more tourists,” he added.
About the preparations of the host team KU water sports coach, Muhammad Yusuf, said, “Our team is well prepared for the event and has been training all along the year. We are expecting to put on good show.”

For smooth conduct of the event, the KU is also collaborating with Youth Services and Sports department, Tourism department and LAWDA.