Two more disciplines added to J&K’s Water Sports Centre; Advisor Farooq Khan expresses gratitude to MoYA,GoI

In a move, promising to strengthen the already laid Water Sports centre and applaud the performance of athletes of Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has given go ahead to two more disciplines at the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) in the disciplines of Kayaking and Canoeing which had earlier only facility for rowing. 

The J&K Sports Council and the UT government had initiated the request for these sporting disciplines to be added. The KISCE, which was launched in April 2021, after revamping facilities in the existing J&K Water Sports Academy in J&K shall now train athletes in three disciplines instead of one.

In a communiqué issued by J&K Sports Council, which read “Advisor to Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan said, “The addition of Kayaking and Canoeing disciplines shall pave way for more impressive performances in international competitions such as the World Championships and the Asian Championship. The KISCE Water Sports Centre shall help in tapping and nurturing of athletes in two new disciplines enabling them to excel in the sport and represent India in world-class competition.”

Farooq Khan thanked Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, kirrem Rijjiu Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India for addition of two more disciplines to the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Srinagar. He also said that athletes are overwhelmed that they can get world class training in more disciplines under one roof. Advisor said, that with the addition of these two sporting disciplines their is scope for greater participation and this shall also draw sporting talent from all across the country. Farooq Khan praised the teams from UT administration and Ministry of Youth Affairs Government of India to make this possible.”

 

Briefing about the addition of two new disciplines, Secretary, J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gull Sports said, Sports Authority of India and the Sports Council will assess the requirements to implement training in newly added disciplines, including coaching and equipment at war footing. She also said, J&K abounds for water bodies and facilities shall be added to other places in both Jammu and Kashmir Divisions to make it countries’ best water sports destinations.

 

Earlier, welcoming the decision, Prashant Khushwaha, Secretary General, Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association said, “We are thankful to the Centre Government for making this decision. Kayaking, Canoeing and Rowing together have a total of 63 medals in the Olympics. If we can provide training to youngsters in these disciplines then India’s medal haul in the Olympics can go up significantly. He also added that, Kashmir is a very strategic location for the KISCE academy as the weather matches with European countries where most competitions are held and this will only strengthen the chances of our athletes to contend for the Olympic and world title. 

 

The addition of two more disciplines to the KISCCE, Srinagar has received a warm welcome from all the sports enthusiasts of J&K and they termed this as a significant development as far as augmenting sports infrastructure in J&K is concerned.