Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday inaugurated the first-ever National Rowing Championship in J&K and invited the sporting fraternity from across the country to come and enjoy warm hospitality and spectacular games here.
“After the First Chess Olympiad Torch Relay on Tuesday, this is another historic sporting moment for UT of J&K. This National Rowing Championship will provide a unique opportunity for young sportspersons from all over the country to display sporting excellence and share the camaraderie and sportsmanship,” Sinha said.
According to an official press release, the LG said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “India’s golden sporting era has truly begun. Hon’ble PM has fuelled the athlete’s individual aspirations with the hopes and dreams of 130 crore countrymen.”
Initiatives like Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India have given wings to the young generation. It has given the perfect opportunity to the players to target Olympic medals, the LG said.
Lauding the leadership of the Prime Minister for establishing a vibrant sports culture across the country, the LG said that in the last two years, the UT government has paid special attention to developing sports infrastructure and providing sports facilities to youngsters in rural areas.
“Our aim is to harness the talent, nurture it and provide the best training and exposure,” he added.
The LG also observed that sports institutions were established in blocks, districts and divisions to channelize the unlimited energy and potential of youngsters.
‘Earlier, one lakh players used to get the opportunity to play in a year. Last year the number increased to 17 lakh and this year 35 lakh players are expected to participate in different disciplines of sports across the UT,” he said.
In order to ensure equal opportunity, 50 percent participation of girls is being ensured in the talent development program. “We are treating the entire process as a movement to groom the future generation,” he added.
The LG said the Nehru Park’s Water Sports Center, inaugurated last year, is equipped with world-class infrastructure for kayaking, canoeing and rowing. He urged sportspersons to take advantage of this infrastructure with a focus on medals in the international arena.
“Every day around 400 children including girls are being imparted specialized training through this Water Sports Center. In the last three years, our players have won 100 medals in national level competitions in kayaking and canoeing and many players have also represented the country in international tournaments,” the LG added.
A water sports center like Srinagar is also being built in Basohli in Jammu division, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities.
“No one else will decide your success or failure. You are the master of your own fate. Move forward and be the leader of tomorrow,” LG told the participants.
Rajlaxmi Singh, President Rowing Federation of India while speaking on the occasion extended gratitude to LG for his support in organising the National Rowing Championships-2022 in J&K. She said the region has an immense talent pool in the field of sports with many sports persons making their mark at the international level.
Dal Lake has the potential to host international level water sports events, she added.
Motivating the participants, Singh said that rowing rewards patience, humility and hunger to succeed and asked them to give their best during the championship.
S.A. Watali, Organizing Secretary, delivered the welcome address.
On the occasion, Oath was also administered to the participants to abide by the spirit of the game.
The teams will compete in different categories in the course specially made for the championship in Dal Lake.
Dilbag Singh, DGP; SJM Gillani, ADGP Armed; Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary Youth Services and Sports; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; MV Sriram, Secretary General RFI; Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council; Arjuna & Dronacharya Awardees, Olympians, coaches, participants from across the country, technical officials, officers of RFI besides others were present on the occasion.
