Srinagar: J&K Sports Development Association (JKSDA) on Thursday congratulated Narinder Batra for becoming President of International Hockey Federation and hoped that he would help revive ailing hockey in his home State of J&K.
“It is great news for the sports fraternity of JK and particularly hockey. To become President of international hockey body is a an achievement and we congratulate Narinder Batra for this,” said JKSDA President Bashir Ahmad Malik.
The 59-year old Batra was elected President of International Hockey Federation recently during 45th FIH Congress. Batra, defeated David Balbirnie of Ireland and Australia’s Ken Read to become the 12th FIH president — the first Asian to grab the post. Batra got 68 votes in his favor while Balbirnie and Read managed 29 and 13 votes respectively.
Batra, who became president of Hockey India in October 2014 after serving as its secretary originally, hails from Abi Guzar area of Srinagar. He is renowned businessman and keen sports follower.
The JKSDA President said that Batra after taking charge of highest chair in hockey should help revive hockey in his home State of J&K.
“He belongs to Kashmir and he owes that much to this state. He has the power and position to change revive the ailing sports in our state. The guardians of this sport in our state care least about its development. However, we request Batra to pay some attention towards its revival,” Malik said.
“He has proven over the years that whatever task he takes in his hand he accomplishes those. We are hopeful now that he will give his some attention towards development of hockey in J&K,” he added. ( Source Greater Kashmir)