Bhaderwah: Slovakia won the inaugural International River Rafting Championship in Doda district here on Thursday, while a team from Indian Army bagged the runners-up title.
The five-day long event, which was held on river Chenab at Thathri area of Doda district, witnessed participation from countries like Australia, Czech Republic and Nepal besides Slovakoa and two teams from India.
The Slovak team, comprising of Viladmir, Knitko Peter, Karol Marton, Tomas Skepka, Michal Rechtorocia and Michal Stole won three out of the four events to lift the coveted trophy.
The team won head-to-head, slalom and downriver events to stamp their authority.
However, it was a team from Indian Army which piped the Slovaks in the sprint segment to fetch the second position.
The event was judged by IRF (International Rafting Fedration) members Jeo Wills and Natalia.
"It was a sort of dream when our department proposed to organise this international event on river Chenab in Doda district, which is famous for its rich culture, unique topography besides rarest of flora and fauna. We are hopeful that by organising this event, a message will go to the outside world regarding the potential of adventure tourism activities in the state of Jammu and Kashmir," Assistant Director of Tourism, Tariq Naik said.
He also praised the judges for making the event, which has brought the otherwise neglected district on international tourism and sports map, a huge success.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, February 28, 2013, 19:21