Principal Secretary, Youth Services and Sports (YSS), Alok Kumar, declared 16th J&K Wushu Championship open at Sports Council's Indoor Stadium, Bhagwati Nagar, here today.Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary said that Wushu is a medal winning sports discipline and time and again athletes associated with this game have brought laurels to the UT."The government is all set to establish Wushu Academies in both the regions to facilitate J&K Wushu Association and the players as well. An amount of Rs 1.5 crore will be spent for developing infrastructure and purchase of equipments for giving a fillip to this potential game”, said Alok Kumar.Earlier, demonstration of Wushu skills by athletes was followed by welcome address by Ranjeet Kalra who gave a gist of the event.
During the inaugural ceremony, achievers of the game were honoured by the Principal Secretary for their brilliant performance across the country and in J&K as well.Those who were felicitated included Rajinder Singh (World C'ship medalist), Sadiya Tariq (Golden Girl), Saleem Kumar (Junior World medalist), Kamal Kishore (International medalist), Ajaz Hassan (International medalist), Jabeena Akhter (International medalist), Rohit Thakyal (International player) and Ankit Sharma (International player).Later, Kuldeep Handoo, Dronacharya Awardee and Chief Wushu Coach of India presented vote of thanks.The proceedings of the inaugural function were conducted by Rajesh Dhar.President J&K Wushu Association, Vijay Saraf, Ace Sports Administrator and Vice President J&K Wushu Association, Ranjeet Kalra, Chief Accounts Officer, J&K Sports Council, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal and Divisional Sports Officer, J&K Sports Council, Ashok Singh and Manager Indoor hall Bhagwati Nagar Vikas Dogra were present on the occasion.