Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Dragon Boat Association today felicitated the Jammu and Kashmir Dragon Boat Team for its outstanding performance at the 13th National Dragon Boat Championship 2026, where the team secured two Bronze Medals in the Open Women’s and Mixed Categories. The prestigious national championship was held at Bhalswa Lake, New Delhi, from October 18 to 20, 2026, and witnessed the participation of more than 700 athletes representing 25 states across the country.
The felicitation ceremony was graced by Sheikh Junaid Mehmood, IPS, Inspector General of Police and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), J&K Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, as the Chief Guest. Waseem Ahmed Khan, Chief Sales & Marketing, Khyber Cements Ltd., attended the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest commended the Jammu and Kashmir Dragon Boat Association for its sustained efforts in identifying, nurturing, and promoting local sporting talent, while providing athletes with opportunities to compete at national and international levels. He lauded the medal-winning paddlers for their determination, commitment, and exemplary teamwork, emphasising the importance of discipline, consistent hard work, and perseverance in achieving greater success in competitive sports.
He further encouraged young girls to participate in sports with confidence, pursue their aspirations without hesitation, and serve as an inspiration to others through their achievements. He underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment in which young athletes, particularly girls, can realise their potential and bring recognition to Jammu and Kashmir at prestigious sporting platforms.
Speaking on the occasion, the Guest of Honour, Waseem Ahmed Khan, reaffirmed Khyber Cements Ltd.’s continued support for the Jammu and Kashmir Dragon Boat Association and its efforts to advance the development of the sport in the Union Territory. He emphasised the company's commitment to providing local athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and compete at national and international competitions.
He also highlighted the significant role of corporate partnerships in identifying and nurturing emerging sporting talent, strengthening grassroots sports development, and creating sustainable opportunities for young athletes. Such collaborative initiatives, he noted, are instrumental in promoting a vibrant sporting culture and advancing the overall development of sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
The team's participation in the championship was sponsored by Khyber Cements Ltd., whose support contributed significantly to the team's successful campaign. The two Bronze Medals stand as a testament to the paddlers' dedication, perseverance, and collective effort, while also reflecting the growing potential of Dragon Boat Sports in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the field of women's sports.
M. Syed Punoo, IPS (Retd.), President of the Jammu and Kashmir Dragon Boat Association, and Er. Aamir Ali, Senior Vice President of the Association, congratulated the medal-winning athletes on their commendable achievement. They also extended their appreciation to Coach Farooq Ahmed Bhat and the team officials for their guidance, commitment, and efforts in preparing the team for the national-level competition.
The Association's leadership expressed its sincere gratitude to Khyber Cements Ltd. and the Jammu and Kashmir Police for their continued support, encouragement, and contribution towards promoting the sport and enabling local athletes to participate in competitive sporting events.
Reaffirming its commitment to the advancement of Dragon Boat Sports in the Union Territory, the Jammu and Kashmir Dragon Boat Association stated that it would continue working towards identifying and developing local talent, strengthening sporting opportunities, and encouraging greater participation among young athletes. Particular emphasis will remain on empowering girls through sports and providing emerging paddlers with the necessary opportunities and support to excel at national and international levels.
The team's achievement at the 13th National Dragon Boat Championship 2026 marks another encouraging milestone for the sport in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the importance of athlete dedication, effective coaching, institutional support, and corporate partnerships in fostering sporting excellence.
