Highlighting the role of sports in building physical and mental health of the youth, Minister of Tourism, Mr. G. A. Mir said that Jammu and Kashmir Police has been working for promotion of sports in the State, besides performing their professional duties.The Minister was speaking at the flag-off ceremony of “Cycle Race” organized by Jammu and Kashmir Police from Police Golf Course Boulevard here this morning.As many as 2000 cyclists of different category, besides a large number of athletes from various educational institutions and sports bodies participated in the event.The flag-off ceremony for different categories of the race started at 7 a.m. Also a huge gathering witnessed the race along its routes from Police Golf Course to various destinations. On the conclusion of race, first five winners of all categories were awarded cash prizes, mementoes and certificates.Addressing the participants at the function, the Minister thanked them for their participation in the event and said that the interest of the youth has encouraged police department to conduct such events. He said that the department has organized various sports events in Srinagar and other districts of the Valley during the summer season. The people from all walks of life have shown much interest in these events. The aim behind organizing sports events is to promote sports and exploit the sports talent of the youth in different disciplines, he added.
Mr. Mir asked the police department to continue its efforts to inspire the youth of the State towards sports and for this purpose such events needs to be held in all the districts of the State.Earlier, the Director General of Police, Mr. Ashok Prasad lauded the role of Organizing Committee headed by ADGP (Armed), Mr. S. M. Sahai to conduct the event. He said that the officers put great efforts and ensured large participation in the event from all walks of life including the students of various educational institutions. He also appreciated the arrangements made by the District Police, Traffic and Security Wings on the routes of the race.The Organizing Secretary, Mr. S. M. Sahai thanked the Chief Guest and participants for taking part in the event.The Minister distributed the cash prizes, certificates and mementoes among the first five positions holders of various categories. Mr. Umar Nabi of Mulphaq Hazratbal, Ms. Insha Wadoo of Rainawari Srinagar, Mr. Aamir Sidiq of Narbal, Syed Hafiz of Chinar Cycling Club, Srinagar and Ms. Muzamil Rashid of Iqra Public School Srinagar, secured first positions in senior male category, under 19 female category, under 19 male category, under 12 male category and under 12 female category respectively.Among others, the function was attended by ADsGP, Mr. S. P. Vaid and Mrs. D. R. Doley, IsGP, Mr. AK Choudhary, Dr. B. Srinivas, Mr. HK Lohia, SJM Geelani, Mr. Alok Puri and Mr. SS khandre, DIG, Mr. Mubarak Ahmed Ganai, SSsP, Mr. MA Untoo and Syed Ashiq Hussain Bukhari and all Kashmir based Commandants of Armed and IRP Battalions.