Umer Nabi emerges winner

Islamia College Cross-Country Run

ABID KHAN


Srinagar, May 2: Umer Nabi emerged winner in the annual cross-country run of Islamia College on Saturday.
The College Principal, Dr Saleem Khan, flagged off the run from Nehru Park to Nishat garden. In the event, 106 participants that included novices and well-known athletes of valley participated. The main contest was expected to be between last years winner Shabir Akhoon and Umer Nabi. Contrary to expectations, Umer along with other six participants sprinted away from Shabir in the beginning.
After first five minutes the leading bunch of participants had got comfortable lead over other participants. There was neck-to-neck battle between Umer, Sheikh Faheem and Zahid Ahmad. They tried to sprint away from each other, but the competition was so close that till 23rd minute none was able to take lead. Seeing finish line only less than 2-kilometers away, Umer pushed hard and got comfortable lead over his closest rivals.
He finished first with the timing of 28:15:96 while as Faheem finished second with 30:32:30. Zahid bagged third position with 32:29:15. Ghulam Rasool and Muheebullah finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Umer was not that happy on his win, as he was not able to break college cross-country timing record.
“I had goal in mind that I have to break college cross-country run timing record set by Riyaz Ahmad 10-years back. I finished three and half minutes after the record timing. I was not able to get proper start due to which I finished late,” he said.
“I’m satisfied that I won the event. I’ll try to win inter-college run as well,” he hoped.
The prize distribution ceremony was held at finish point in which position holders were awarded.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saleem said, “Our College has been organizing this event from last several years and with this we t kick start our annual sports calendar. Winning is not important but participating and completing is. While passing through the racetrack I saw number of participants falling at the very beginning, which is not encouraging sign.”
About the upcoming events, he said, “Our college teams have been dominating almost all the inter-college events and I hope you will continue that trend. For every event only those players would be taken who will qualify selection trials.”

published in greater kashmir on June 3 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=3_5_2009&ItemID=13&cat=4