A well known name and a person who is credited as being pioneer of water sports in J&K, Umar Rafique passed away on Saturday.
Rafique who was suffering from Kidney ailment passed away atSKIMS Soura on Saturday. He was later laid to rest at Sonwar. His Fateh Khawaniwould be observed on Tuesday at 10 AM.
Umar Rafique is considered as a pioneer of water sports inJ&K who ran the affairs of the J&K Kayaking and Canoeing Associationfor decades. He was also associated with other water sports disciplines likeWhite Water Rafting. He was General Secretary of J&K Kayaking and CanoeingAssociation for number of years and saw number of Kashmir players reaching toNational and International level. He was amoung the first NIS Patiala qualifiedswimming coach in J&K. He also served Indian Kayaking and CanoeingFederation as Vice President.
Apart from that he was employee of Department of YouthServices and Sports and retired as District Officer from the department. Duringhis time with the department he was also associated with skiing.