N. N. Vohra, Governor, today underscored the need for reviving and promoting golfing and other sports activities in the State in a big way.The Governor was addressing the prize distribution function of the Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament 2013 organized by the Kashmir Golf Club at the Royal Springs Golf Course here today.This Tournament was played between the Governor’s Team and the Army Commander’s Team. The Governor’s Team won the Tournament by defeating Army Commander’s Team by 16-8 points. The Governor, who is Patron of the Kashmir Golf Club, observed that time has come to revive some of our old traditions and the sports activities like golf for which Kashmir has been known for over a century. Referring to the Tournament, he congratulated Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Chairman of the Kashmir Golf Club and all its office bearers for reviving this Tournament, adding that it is a very happy augury. The Governor complimented Talat Pervez, Director Tourism, Kashmir for the initiative taken by him and hoped that this Tournament would go a long way in popularizing the game in the State. He assured all possible support to the Kashmir Golf Club for promoting major golfing events in future.
The Governor gave away Trophies to the Captains of the Winner and Runner-up teams and congratulated them for playing a very good game.Earlier the Governor Teed-Off the Tournament and played in the first half of the Course.Usha Vohra, First Lady, who was present on this occasion, gave away prizes to the winner and runner-up of the Ladies Putting Competition as well as to the sponsors of the Tournament.Prizes were also given to the winners in the category of highest margin, nearest to point, longest drive and straight drive.
Lt. Gen. K. T. Parnaik, Northern Army Commander, speaking on the occasion, thanked the Kashmir Golf Club for reviving and organizing this Tournament and hoped that it would be made an annual event. He observed that the Royal Springs Golf Course is one among the best golf courses in the world and it is always a pleasure to play here. He invited all the golfers to play at the golf courses developed by the Army in the State.
Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Chief Secretary and Chairman of the Kashmir Golf Club, said that the Kashmir Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country having a long history of organizing many golf tournaments. He added that every effort is being made to make this Club vibrant and assured all possible support for this purpose.Talat Pervez, Director Tourism, Kashmir, who is Secretary of the Kashmir Golf Club, dwelt on the establishment, history and evolution of this Club. He said that henceforth this Tournament would be made an annual feature, adding that such sporting events go a long way in the promotion of tourism in the State.