Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 23: On the request from Gujjars and Bakerwals, residing in higher pastures of Dessa area, a horse racing competition and a medical camp was organized by Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, based at Doda at an altitude of 10,200 feet in the lush green meadows of Gotul, today.
A total of 87 Gujjars and Bakerwals horse men participated in the competition, which was witnessed by over 500 locals who had gathered from all over Dessa area for this unique event.
Subsequently in the medical camp around 350 patients were treated and free medicines were distributed.
The winners of the horse race were awarded cash prize of Rs 7,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively sponsored by Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, Doda in an impressive award ceremony attended by all the Gujjars and Bakerwals of the area and members of Army and Civil administration.
The villagers and civil authorities were grateful to the Army for reviving the old tradition of horse race and saw it as a befitting recognition to the inland talent of Gujjars and Bakerwals.
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