Bandipora 8 November (KNB): With an aim to rejuvenate and boost the sports culture of Kashmir, ‘Wular Run 2020’ was organised by Paribal Tekri Rashtriya Rifles Battalion of Watlab Sector at Bandipora.
The event comprised of Wular Run in two different categories i.e. 10 Km Run for Boys and Mini Run for Girls. The event commenced with the Wular Run for boys, which was flagged off by Commander Watlab Sector from Paribal Tekri, Bandipora. Donning Red & White T-shirt with hues of the tricolor, a total of 365 youth from different villages of Bandipora and Baramulla districts participated in the event.
Bashir Ahmad from Khayar Bandipora, stood first in the closely competed run in the ‘Boys’ Category and in Girls Mini Run category Bisma Noor from Watapora Bandipora, bagged the first position. The run comprised of running over undulating road surface with finishing point at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, Bandipora, where the Closing ceremony of the event was also held, witnessed a healthy participation of elders, children and teenagers.
Commander Watlab Sector while speaking about the event said that they wanted to give a platform to the youth of Bandipora to showcase their talent.
He said, “We organize this event every year, in which there is boat race also but due to the current pandemic situation we couldn’t conduct it. But today the youth of Bandipora has made this sports event a great success and we’ll keep on organising such events, as we all have been witnessing that Army and Police at their levels are trying best to promote sports activities all around Kashmir”.
He added, “North Kashmir Football League is being conducted as well as other sports events and our behind all this is to promote the talent of the youth of Kashmir so that these young children can mold a better future for themselves.
Regarding the Winter games he said, “He indeed we’ll plan for that, we have plans to conduct indoor games and also to organize educational centres for the youth.
“The are proud of the winner (Bashir Ahmed) who gave a great performance today and will surely try to provide him a platform at higher levels to take further steps in this sport in future,” He added.
The participants who achieved 1st, 2nd & 3rd position in both events were given cash prizes and first 20 participants in both events were given consolation prices and all other participants were given ‘Certificate of Participation’ along with Medals.
After distribution of prizes, Commander Watlab Sector addressed the audience and congratulated all the participants and the spectators for their sportsmanship and natural talent exhibited during the event.
While speaking to Kashmir News bureau, one of the participants said that she was really enthusiastic about this even and appreciated the organisers for providing platform for the youth to exhibit our talent in the sport.
She said, “I may not have won the first place but surely in my heart I’m proud of myself to complete the run, these events has given a boost to my mental and physical health. I’m really thankful to all the people who worked to make this a success and provided us the opportunity to display our passion towards this sport”.
Another participant on behalf of local populace, whole heartedly applauded this joint effort and expressed their gratitude towards Indian Army for organising such an event with due adherence to social distancing norms and Covid19 guidelines. (KNB)
