J-K hosts its maiden dragon boat race championship

Jammu and Kashmir organised the states first ever dragon boat racing championship on the world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar today.

Srinagar, Oct 7 : Jammu and Kashmir organised the state's first ever dragon boat racing championship on the world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar today.

The National Dragon Boat Racing Championship was jointly organised by Indian and the Jammu and Kashmir State's Kayaking and Canoeing Association.

"It's a great honour for Jammu and Kashmir to host this race which is being organised for the first time. We feel both happy and proud about it," said S M Kamaal, President Jammu and Kashmir Kayaking Association.

Twelve men and ten women teams participated in the race from across the country, besides from the paramilitary forces.

"We did not go through any training for this. We enjoyed it," said Radhika, a participant from Kerala, who won a gold medal in the championship.

The residents feel such opportunities will help them develop their talents for the promotion of the game.

"This is like our national game. We have all the equipments for the dragon boating so we are good at it, but we don't have all the required equipments for sports like canoeing and kayaking, therefore we are still lagging behind in those sports," said Khurshid Ahmad, a participant from J-K.

The Dal Lake in Srinagar has been a favourite tourist spot for its native "Shikara" boats.

ANI