Srinagar, Oct 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Dragon Boat Association on Tuesday felicitated the UT’s dragon boat team for winning two bronze medals in the Open Women’s and Mixed categories at the 13th National Dragon Boat Championship 2026, held at Bhalswa Lake in New Delhi from October 18 to 20.
The national-level championship saw participation from more than 700 athletes representing 25 states, providing a competitive platform for paddlers from across the country.
Sheikh Junaid Mehmood, IPS, Inspector General of Police and CEO of the J&K Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, attended the felicitation ceremony as the chief guest. Waseem Ahmed Khan, Chief Sales and Marketing at Khyber Cements Ltd., was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Mehmood appreciated the association’s efforts to promote sports and develop local talent by providing athletes with opportunities to compete at national and international levels. He also congratulated the medal-winning players for their dedication and teamwork and encouraged young girls to participate in sports with confidence.
Khan reaffirmed Khyber Cements Ltd.’s commitment to supporting the association and creating more opportunities for local athletes. The company sponsored the J&K team for the championship, contributing to its participation in the national event.
The association also congratulated Coach Farooq Ahmed Bhat on his appointment as Ambassador for South Asian Countries to the International Dragon Boat Federation’s Youth Commission, describing the achievement as an important development for the sport in Jammu and Kashmir.
Association President M. Syed Punoo, IPS (Retd.), and Senior Vice President Er. Aamir Ali congratulated the medal winners, Coach Farooq Ahmed Bhat and the team officials for their efforts.
They also expressed gratitude to Khyber Cements Ltd. and J&K Police for their continued support in promoting dragon boat sports and encouraging local athletes to compete at higher levels.
