Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 4: Registering a convincing victory over the custodians of the sea, the ‘India Navy’, Jammu and Kashmir created history, winning 6 gold out of six and making hat-trick of victories in the 3rd National Dragon Boat Race Championship, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council, under the auspices of Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association at Dal Lake in Srinagar, recently.
The experts in the filed of water sports, ‘Indian Navy’ failed to cast spell as the J&K players were in sublime touch and displayed their skill superbly to keep the flag of their State high at the National scene.
The sporting extravaganza which was participated by 14 States drawn from across the Country, witnessed thrill, excitement, glamour and competitive spirit.
The Jammu and Kashmir team was coached by the queen of canoeing ‘Bilquis Mir’, who besides other awards has the distinction of being awarded with the Sher-e-Kashmir Award for outstanding sportsperson, in recognition to her achievement in the field of water sports.
Sources said that despite her assignments as Asian coach and Indian team coach, Bilquis had preferred to take her domestic assignment of training the State team for the prestigious National event of 3rd Dragon Boat Race Championship, adding that it was sheer-dint of hard work by this ace sportswomen, which played a pivotal role in honing the skill of the low profile J&K players to thrash best in the Country.
Sources added that the best part of the Championship was that Jammu and Kashmir team blossomed in the event, without the existence of J&K State Water Sports Association which has been dissolved recently.
“It was J&K State Sports Council which made all the requisite arrangements with regard to smooth and successful conduct of the event. Council managed the event single handedly, without any assistance from any Association,” sources further added.
“Sweeping all the gold medals in the mega event and making hat-trick of winning was simply my ‘dream come true’. The sacrifice of my National assignment for the domestic one paid off. Sincerity and devotion takes one to home. Players deserve appreciation for this landmark achievement,” said ecstatic Bilquis while expressing satisfaction over the State team’s performance.
Dalip Thussu, Secretary J&K State Sports Council, who presently holds the charge of Director Youth Services and Sports also, said that the players and the coach of the State team deserve encouragement as it was their hard work and determination, which served a twin purpose of winning and holding the event successfully in absence of any State Association. He added that Bilquis and the players of the team have made the State proud.
When contacted, Minister for Sports, Raman Bhalla said that the historic victory of the Jammu and Kashmir team in this National event will go a long way in boosting the sportspersons of the State, and helping the State in winning more medals at the higher and highest levels.
Lauding the efforts of the State players and their coach for their outstanding achievement, the Minister said that the Government is committed to promote sports and sportspersons in the State.
It is pertinent to mention here that J&K clinched gold in 200 meters mixed men and women, 200 meters men, 500 meters mixed men and women, 500 meters men, 800 meters mixed men and women and 800 meters men.
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