In a first major step towards popularizing water sports in entire State, J&K Water Sports Kayaking and Canoeing Association is all set to conduct its first ever State wide water sports talent hunt cum basic coaching camp at Water Sports Centre Nehru Park, here from Friday (May 11).
In the first of its kind initiative around 128 players from eight districts of state would be taking part. The talent hunt cum coaching camp is expected to be inaugurated at Nehru Park on May 11 by Association President and MLC Firdous Tak. In the event, 40 players from district would be participating while as there will be 20 each from Pulwama and Anantnag. From Shopian 10 players have registered while as from Kulgam it is 15 players. From Bandipora and Budgam there will be 10 players each while as for the first time from Kishtiwar there will three players who will take part in water sports activity.
During coaching camp duration players would be kept at Youth Hostel Srinagar and will also be provided food by the organizers.
Association President Firdous Tak said that it is part of the long term planning by the association to take water sports to different parts of state. “We have set our eyes on involving youth from every part of State in waters sports. In past there used to be players from particular district and area who used to take part in water sports. However, we have been able to break that trend by involving youth from areas like Shopian, Pulwama,” he said.
“J&K has number of water bodies and we have failed to tap its full potential in water sports. Over the years this sport that involves, kayaking, canoeing, dragon boat and other related disciplines has been confined mostly to Nehru park, Nigeen or Manasbal. But now we have decided to establish water sports centers in all parts of State,” Tak said.
The Association President said that water sports has given State number of stars who have made J&K proud at National and International level.
“Over the years J&K has produced some of the biggest Stars in waters sports for Country. This is Olympic discipline sport that has given State maximum number of national medals. It has also been the source of livelihood for the players as hundreds of medalists have got Government jobs on the basis of their water sports achievements,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bilques Mir under whose supervision this talent hunt cum coaching would be held said that the selected players would be given advanced training.