Srinagar, May 08: After a 13-year long lull the first sporting activity involving the masses took place in Srinagar today, when the state sports department successfully conducted a cycle rally. The summer event, coming after the conduct of the winter games, saw boys from various schools of Srinagar district compete in two age groups - under 14 and 19.
The two races (under 14 from Nehru Park and under 19 from Sher-e-Kashmir Park) were flagged off by state Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beigh and finished at the famous Nishat Garden on the banks of the Dal Lake. Imtiyaz Ahmad of Sri Pratap Higher Secondary school bagged the first position and the Rs 5000 prize money in the under-19 category. He was followed by Perveiz Ahmad of higher secondary school, Shalimar and schoolmate Bilal Ahmad who took home Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 respectively.
In the under-14 category, Abid Hussain of Boys High School, Zadibal, Amir Rasool of Woodland School and Ghulam Rasool of Valley Vitasta finished first, second and third. The three also won similar cash prizes as the seniors. A special demonstration of 'thangtha' (a martial art form) was held at the prize distribution ceremony.
Giving away the prizes, Beigh praised the sports ministry for restoring sports activities in the strife-torn Valley. Director of youth services Manoj Pant assured that more such activities will be held on a regular basis and sought the government's encouragement. Bureau Report