Srinagar, Sept 27: The Third All India Police Water Sports Championship opened at the world famous Dal Lake in the backdrop of lushgreen Zaberwan Hills here today. Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed declared the championship open at a largely attended inaugural ceremony by releasing pigeons, the symbol of peace, and thousands of colourful balloons that overcast the sky.
Ten national-level teams with 132 police sports personnel from various states, central police organisations and police academies are participating in this five-day national event.
The events will be held in 200 meter, 500 meters and 1000 meteres kayaking and canoeing as well as single scull, double scull, coxless pair and coxless four 500 and 1000 metres, rowing categories.
Sayeed congratulated the state police for hosting national sports event and said this is the sixth mega sports event taking place here, which would go well with the changing scenario in the state.
Recalling that football and boat races have been traditional sports activities of the valley, Mufti expressed satisfaction that a large number of students and locals have shown keen interest even in kayaking and canoeing.
While it is good to expose youth to different sports, he asked the police to also organise the traditional ragretta to involve local boating clubs. This would be linked with the present water sports championship.
He announced awards of Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 for first, second and third positions for local ragretta. Bureau Report