Srinagar, Apr 20: After the success of last year’s inaugural edition the J&K Sports Development Association (JKSDA) is going to organise ‘2nd Run for Old City’ (Shahr-e-Khaas) on May 12.
 The run will be flagged off from TRC ground and will pass through, Munawarabad road, Baba Dawood Khaki Bridge, Baba Demb, Naidkadal, Bohri kadal, Saraf Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Gojwara and will culminate at Islamia College gate.
 It will be second time that any long distance event would pass through old city and will culminate there.
 The run would be held in two categories, Under-17 age group and open category for boys only.
 Giving details about the event, JKSDA, Vice-President and national level football coach, Sajid Yousuf said, “Last year we organised number of events that included ‘Run for Old City’ (Shahr-e-Khaas) and Kashmir Cycling Challenge prominently. Both the events were huge success in which huge number of athletes and cyclist participated”.
 He said that it was the first time that long distance run of this type was held in Old City of Srinagar and uniqueness of race route made it extra special as it passed almost through every important Old City area.
  “It is known fact that there is lot of talent among Old City youth in sports activities and they have been bringing laurels for the State at various National and International events. So our aim is to dedicate this run to Old City talent, Heritage and Culture which is unique in itself” he said.
 The inaugural event attracted huge number of participation with around 700 athletes taking part. It was sponsored by JK Bank and other organisations.
 “Last year at the last moment, JK Bank came forward to sponsor the event and it was great gesture on part of them. This time we have again requested them for the sponsorship and we are expecting that they will do it. We have also requested Chairman and CEO JK Bank, Mushtaq Ahmad to flag off the event, however he is not in the Valley currently, we are looking forward to his consent” he said.
 The inaugural event was won by Reyaz Ahmad of JK Police while Tanveer Hussain bagged second place. Umer finished third.
 He said that JKSDA stands for overall development of sports and welfare of players belonging to any sports discipline.
  “JKSDA is affiliated unit of Sports Development Association of India (SDAI) in J&K and it is for development of sports and welfare of players belonging to any sports discipline. We don’t trespass the authority of respective associations and have got nothing to do with their regular activities but will support whenever they need that. Apart from cross-country we are planning to organise many more events in future,” Sajid said.
 Organising Secretary, Reyaz Ahmad said, “This will second event organised by JKSDA this season as we organised Spring Champions run last month. The first five positions in both categories would be suitably rewarded with prizes and certificates would be given to each and every participation. It will be biggest run of the season and we are expecting around 1000 athletes to participate in it. The Under-17 category will involve school students while Open category will involve some of the well known top athletes of State so competition is really going to be tough.”
 For further details athletes have been asked to contact on cell number of Reyaz Ahmad: 9419060436.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST