Promising athletes from Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) Rowing, Water Sports Centre, Nehru Park, exhibited outstanding performance at the All India Inter SAI Rowing Championship held at the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Alleppey, Kerala.
Zainab Shafi, hailing from Baramulla district, won the bronze medal in the Senior Women Singles category (W1X) while Irtiza Ali and Muntazir Ali Matoo, both from Srinagar district, also secured bronze in the Junior Men Pair category (JM2). In total, 10 athletes from KISCE Rowing, Nehru Park, represented J&K in this prestigious event, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination.
Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, extended heartfelt congratulations to all the participating athletes and expressed pride in their achievements. He remarked that Jammu & Kashmir is progressing toward becoming a national hub for water sports and assured continued support in the form of coaching, equipment and other allied facilities for aspiring athletes.
Secretary of Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, also congratulated the contingent, underscoring the potential of J&K’s water sports talent and reaffirming the department’s commitment towards nurturing world-class athletes.
Secretary J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, celebrated this achievement as a proud moment for the entire region, recognizing the growing impact of J&K’s water sports athletes on the national stage. She applauded the athletes for their resilience and success, particularly in competing against participants from top institutions and triumphing over the athletes of the SAI National Centre of Excellence, Alleppey, which is renowned for water sports training in India.