Srinagar: After years of hectic lobbying by J&K government, Jammu and Kashmir on Friday saw the light of maiden Kayaking and Canoeing Championship at hilly resort of Sonamarg.
Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Mr. Main Altaf Ahmad flagged off, first of its kind in J&K, 3-days National White Water Slalom Kayaking and Canoeing Championship at Sonamarg today.
Championship has been jointly organized by J&K Kayaking & Canoeing Association and Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association in collaboration with Tourism Department as a part of adventure tourism promotion initiatives taken by the government.
.Speaking on the occasion, Mian Altaf appreciated the joint efforts of Kayaking & Canoeing Association and Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association and Tourism Department for choosing and organizing such a major event at Sonamarg.
Minister said that government has taken various initiatives for the promotion of adventure tourism in the State adding that organizing this Kayaking and Canoeing Championship is an important milestone in this regard.
Main Altaf said that Sonmarg is an ideal place for sports activities. He said Sonamarg will be developed as number one Ski resort in coming years and it will be known as a tourism hub which will boost the economy of the people of the State especially in Ganderbal and Kangan areas.
He assured all possible help of the government for organizing such activities and said he will organize a meeting with Ministers of Youth Services & Sports and Tourism for the promotion of this game.
Zahid Maqbool is a freelance journalist based in Srinagar.
