Srinagar Sep 13: The Kashmir Rafting Operators Association (KROA) is organizing the first Pahalgam White Water Rafting Challenge on the gushing waters of river Lidder at Yennar village in Pahalgam on September 17.
 In the event around eight teams from different districts including Srinagar, Jammu, Islamabad (Anantnag), and Ganderbal would be participating. The J&K Police team is also expected to participate. The Championship is supported by Tourism Department (Kashmir), District Administration, Islamabad (Anantnag) and is also sponsored by Kanwal Group of Industries.
 Giving details Director Tourism, Talat Parvez said the Championship is being organized with an aim to promote and develop water based activities particularly white water rafting in the state.
 He said that white water rafting is an adventure sport and will help in promoting adventure tourism in Valley. “Rafting is now recognized as a competitive sport. Competitions are now being held worldwide in this thrilling and challenging sport.” The KROA president said that due to non-recognition of this sport by the sports organizations like J&K State Sports Council, J&K Youth Services and Sports, this sport could not flourish in the state.
 The District Development Commissioner, Islamabad (Anantnag), Farooq Shah said the objective of organizing this championship is to send a message outside the state that Commercial River Rafting is possible in Kashmir.
 “Our neighbouring states lure tourists towards this adventure sport,” he said. Shah said that we have tough competition with Himachal, Uttrakhand and West Bengal. “Even the states like Mahrashtra and Karnataka are making efforts to develop and promote this sport.”
 “We have organized three championships in this sport at International level in the recent past,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST