Santosh Trophy
ABID KHAN
Srinagar, May 8: The former football players of the Valley have flayed J&K Football Association for ignoring senior players and picking up mostly unknown faces in the JK Santosh Trophy squad for the 63rd edition of the coveted event to be held in Tamil Nadu from May 24 to June 14.
The JKFA on Wednesday announced the list of 26 players who will participate in the coaching camp prior to the final announcement of 20 players, which will be made on May 17.
Among the players in last year’s squad, only four could make it to the list. Even Shahnaz Iqbal, who was captain of the team last year, was dropped.
Though JKFA officials say that they gave preference to young lot keeping future in consideration, the former players blame internal bickering as main reason for ignoring seniors.
Former international footballer, Dr Zahoor Haroon, said, “Though internal bickering has always overwhelmed JKFA, it never affected any player and was kept up to administrative level only. But this time dropping almost all the experienced and picking unknown faces for the biggest national level football tournament of India speaks volumes about the functioning of the Association.”
“Last year our team reached to quarterfinal stage because of the experienced players and within one year they have been axed. If preferring young players is the reason, then Baichung Bhutia should have been out of Indian team,” he said, adding, inclusion of Ishfaq Ahmad and other national players would not be helpful for team as football is team game and individual performances hardly matter.
“Ishfaq alone can’t win you matches. He is in great form but what about the rest of players who have got no exposure and experience at all,” Zahoor added.
Another former footballer, Muhammad Amin questioned the overall selection process of the JKFA.
“I can’t understand how the players were shortlisted for the trials. Last year selection was done through open trails, but this time only 40 players were allowed to participate in trials. They had barred almost all the senior players from participating in trials including the talented lot of JK Bank,” he alleged.
Amin said that internal matters of JKFA shouldn’t have affected the players.
“It is unfortunate, as no one had expected it. When it looked that our state is getting back its place in Indian football on the basis of performance, the JKFA has put it at risk by selecting almost second strength team,” Amin said.
“Every Association has got loopholes and internal bickering is not that big thing. But the concern this time is that players have been affected” he added.
One of the JK Bank player who was not shortlisted for trials, said, “Without assessing the performance, JKFA shortlisted the players. Normally season would have kicked off 20 to 25 days back, but this year JKFA is yet to make announcement about the start. Without tournaments, I don’t know how they shortlisted and assessed performance of the players,” he said.
“Except three or four players no one among the selected players has represented state in any big national tournament” he added.
published in greater kashmir on June 9 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=9_5_2009&ItemID=7&cat=4
Thursday, June 11, 2009
JKFA never wanted me in team: Wadoo
ABID KHAN
Srinagar, May 8: Valley’s international footballer, Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo Friday said that J&K Football Association never wanted him in the Santosh Trophy squad and had kept his name only for formality.
“The JKFA was never serious to include me in the team. They called me on the day when trials started. If they had been serious then they would have informed me in advance like they did with other players. I told them not to include my name in squad as I had groin injury,” Wadoo told Greater Kashmir.
“Despite injury, I would have loved to interact with the players in the camp and share my experience, but the JKFA officials never approached me. Doctors have advised me to stay away from playing, but I could perfom warm up and cardio exercises,” he said.
The current Indian international player was also critical of JKFA on sidelining senior talented players and including almost all new faces in the squad.
“I don’t know what criteria they have employed in selecting the squad. All the talented senior players have been sidelined and kept away from trials. Even if I along with Ishfaq would be in the squad, it still will not make any difference. Football is a team game and individual performances doesn’t matter much,” Wadoo said.
Meanwhile, Wadoo has been included in the national camp. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday announced squad of 27 players that would attend the national camp at Delhi from June 22 to July 7. The camp will be held in order to prepare players for the team’s tour to Portugal. The squad has three goalkeepers, ten defenders, ten midfielders and four forwards.
Goalkeepers: Arindam Bhattacharya, Subrata Paul, Subhashish Roy Choudhary
Defenders: Govin Singh, Gouramangi Singh, Mahesh Gawli, Samir Naik, Surkumar Singh, Anwar, Deepak Mondal, NS Manju, Mohanraj, Rakesh Masih.
Midfielders: Anthony Pereira, Clifford Miranda, Climax Lawrence, Meharjuddin Wadoo, Syed Rahim Nabi, Renedy Singh, Baldip Singh, Jagpreet Singh, NP Pradeep, Steven Dias.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Sushil Singh, Baichung Bhutia, Abhishek Yadav.
published in greater kashmir on June 9 : http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=9_5_2009&ItemID=6&cat=4
Srinagar, May 8: Valley’s international footballer, Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo Friday said that J&K Football Association never wanted him in the Santosh Trophy squad and had kept his name only for formality.
“The JKFA was never serious to include me in the team. They called me on the day when trials started. If they had been serious then they would have informed me in advance like they did with other players. I told them not to include my name in squad as I had groin injury,” Wadoo told Greater Kashmir.
“Despite injury, I would have loved to interact with the players in the camp and share my experience, but the JKFA officials never approached me. Doctors have advised me to stay away from playing, but I could perfom warm up and cardio exercises,” he said.
The current Indian international player was also critical of JKFA on sidelining senior talented players and including almost all new faces in the squad.
“I don’t know what criteria they have employed in selecting the squad. All the talented senior players have been sidelined and kept away from trials. Even if I along with Ishfaq would be in the squad, it still will not make any difference. Football is a team game and individual performances doesn’t matter much,” Wadoo said.
Meanwhile, Wadoo has been included in the national camp. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday announced squad of 27 players that would attend the national camp at Delhi from June 22 to July 7. The camp will be held in order to prepare players for the team’s tour to Portugal. The squad has three goalkeepers, ten defenders, ten midfielders and four forwards.
Goalkeepers: Arindam Bhattacharya, Subrata Paul, Subhashish Roy Choudhary
Defenders: Govin Singh, Gouramangi Singh, Mahesh Gawli, Samir Naik, Surkumar Singh, Anwar, Deepak Mondal, NS Manju, Mohanraj, Rakesh Masih.
Midfielders: Anthony Pereira, Clifford Miranda, Climax Lawrence, Meharjuddin Wadoo, Syed Rahim Nabi, Renedy Singh, Baldip Singh, Jagpreet Singh, NP Pradeep, Steven Dias.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Sushil Singh, Baichung Bhutia, Abhishek Yadav.
published in greater kashmir on June 9 : http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=9_5_2009&ItemID=6&cat=4
JKFA selector dissociates from association
Srinagar, May 4: Jammu Kashmir Football Association senior selector Nazir Ahmad Andrabi has disassociated himself from the association on grounds that he faced embarrassment after being appointed as a mediator between the warring factions within the association.
“The president and the other office bearers of the association assigned me the job of resolving the matter with the Jammu wing. After discussions with some members of Jammu wing, they agreed to settle the issues amicably. However, general secretary and another official at Jammu did not resolve the issue,” said Andrabi.
Andrabi said that instead of resolving the issue with Jammu wing members ahead of its elections, the association chose to conduct election in the region unconstitutionally.
“The association conducted fake election in Jammu without taking into confidence the members who had differences. The election was conducted in a local school with the help of some self appointed members. The election is unconstitutional and illegal,” Andrabi said.
Pertinently, JKFA started a three-day trial for selecting its team for Santosh trophy football tournament from Sunday.
“I was not informed about the trials despite being senior selector. I dissociated myself from the association on Sunday and they should have informed me about trials before it. They never wanted me to be present during trials that is why they did not inform me,” he said.
When asked, JKFA, general secretary, S A Hameed said: “These are all baseless allegations. Jammu wing elections were conducted according to constitution of association and 42 members were present out of 57. The elections were held under proper observation of JKFA.”
About the selector not being informed about trial dates he said, “We had informed him well in advance and we always wanted him to be present during trials.”
published in gretaer kashmir on june 5-2009 :http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3512127761264568751
“The president and the other office bearers of the association assigned me the job of resolving the matter with the Jammu wing. After discussions with some members of Jammu wing, they agreed to settle the issues amicably. However, general secretary and another official at Jammu did not resolve the issue,” said Andrabi.
Andrabi said that instead of resolving the issue with Jammu wing members ahead of its elections, the association chose to conduct election in the region unconstitutionally.
“The association conducted fake election in Jammu without taking into confidence the members who had differences. The election was conducted in a local school with the help of some self appointed members. The election is unconstitutional and illegal,” Andrabi said.
Pertinently, JKFA started a three-day trial for selecting its team for Santosh trophy football tournament from Sunday.
“I was not informed about the trials despite being senior selector. I dissociated myself from the association on Sunday and they should have informed me about trials before it. They never wanted me to be present during trials that is why they did not inform me,” he said.
When asked, JKFA, general secretary, S A Hameed said: “These are all baseless allegations. Jammu wing elections were conducted according to constitution of association and 42 members were present out of 57. The elections were held under proper observation of JKFA.”
About the selector not being informed about trial dates he said, “We had informed him well in advance and we always wanted him to be present during trials.”
published in gretaer kashmir on june 5-2009 :http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3512127761264568751
2nd ISAT Ganderbal football tournament concludes
Ganderbal, May 4: The second ISAT Ganderbal seven-A-side football tournament concluded in Qamaria sports stadium here on Sunday.
The finals of A and B-division leagues were played on the concluding day. Hashmi Sports Bandipora was against ISAT Gopalpora in B-division final while Solina football club was against Kashmir Mughals in A-division final. To watch matches hundreds of spectators had thronged the venue.
The B-division match kicked off first. Being shorter version of game, played with only seven players and also less match duration the pace of the play was fast from very beginning.
Both the teams were trying to take early advantage by scoring the first goal but it was Hashmi players who were having more ball control. ISAT players were not able to hold ball and give accurate passes. Hashmi took advantage of that scoring two goals within space of two minutes in first half. Tahir scored both of them with clean direct strikes. At half time they were leading by 2-0.
Resuming play after half time, Tahir scored third goal in 2nd minute of second half and made it 3-0 for Hashmi. In 10th minute ISAT scored their first goal but only one minute later Raja made it 4-1 for Hasmi. They won match by 4-1 goals and lifted the B-division title.
At the time of registration, Hashmi Club wanted to play in A-division but as the registration for that was already over so the organizers allowed them to play in B-division.
“We wanted to play in A-division but for that we were late to register ourselves. I know how much caliber our players have got and it was because of that we wanted to play in higher division,” said Hashmi team manager.
In A-division, Solina sports defeated Kashmir Mughals by 4-2. Solina was dominant team from the start of the match. Their passing was accurate and shots were also on target. On the other hand Kashmir Mughals players didn’t look in touch and they were not having any understanding between each other. For Solina, all the four goals were scored by Sahil. For Kashmir Mughals goals were scored by Irfan. With this win Solina lifted the A-division title.
J&K Football Association, President Zamir Ahmad Thakur was the chief guest on the occasion and he distributed among the winners.
Speaking at the concluding function Zamir said, “These type of tournaments will help football which is number one game of state to grow in rural areas. By organizing events like this more and more rural youth will join football.”
“We are thankful to Brazilian coach Marcos for organizing this event on second consecutive year and we hope he will take such initiatives in other districts as well” he said.
The tournament was organized by Brazilian coach Marcos.
Giving details about the event he said, “The event had kicked off last month and in it 58 teams from five districts of valley participated. More than 100 matches were played in month long tournament.”
“I am here to promote football in rural areas. From the very first day, since I arrived in valley I have been saying that I want to serve state football. In rural areas there is tremendous talent and the only need is to give them chance to prove it. That is what I am doing” Marcos said.
published in greater kashmir on June 5 2009 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=5_5_2009&ItemID=22&cat=4
The finals of A and B-division leagues were played on the concluding day. Hashmi Sports Bandipora was against ISAT Gopalpora in B-division final while Solina football club was against Kashmir Mughals in A-division final. To watch matches hundreds of spectators had thronged the venue.
The B-division match kicked off first. Being shorter version of game, played with only seven players and also less match duration the pace of the play was fast from very beginning.
Both the teams were trying to take early advantage by scoring the first goal but it was Hashmi players who were having more ball control. ISAT players were not able to hold ball and give accurate passes. Hashmi took advantage of that scoring two goals within space of two minutes in first half. Tahir scored both of them with clean direct strikes. At half time they were leading by 2-0.
Resuming play after half time, Tahir scored third goal in 2nd minute of second half and made it 3-0 for Hashmi. In 10th minute ISAT scored their first goal but only one minute later Raja made it 4-1 for Hasmi. They won match by 4-1 goals and lifted the B-division title.
At the time of registration, Hashmi Club wanted to play in A-division but as the registration for that was already over so the organizers allowed them to play in B-division.
“We wanted to play in A-division but for that we were late to register ourselves. I know how much caliber our players have got and it was because of that we wanted to play in higher division,” said Hashmi team manager.
In A-division, Solina sports defeated Kashmir Mughals by 4-2. Solina was dominant team from the start of the match. Their passing was accurate and shots were also on target. On the other hand Kashmir Mughals players didn’t look in touch and they were not having any understanding between each other. For Solina, all the four goals were scored by Sahil. For Kashmir Mughals goals were scored by Irfan. With this win Solina lifted the A-division title.
J&K Football Association, President Zamir Ahmad Thakur was the chief guest on the occasion and he distributed among the winners.
Speaking at the concluding function Zamir said, “These type of tournaments will help football which is number one game of state to grow in rural areas. By organizing events like this more and more rural youth will join football.”
“We are thankful to Brazilian coach Marcos for organizing this event on second consecutive year and we hope he will take such initiatives in other districts as well” he said.
The tournament was organized by Brazilian coach Marcos.
Giving details about the event he said, “The event had kicked off last month and in it 58 teams from five districts of valley participated. More than 100 matches were played in month long tournament.”
“I am here to promote football in rural areas. From the very first day, since I arrived in valley I have been saying that I want to serve state football. In rural areas there is tremendous talent and the only need is to give them chance to prove it. That is what I am doing” Marcos said.
published in greater kashmir on June 5 2009 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=5_5_2009&ItemID=22&cat=4
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
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
Santosh Trophy trials from Monday
ABID KHAN
Srinagar, May 1: The J&K Football Association is organizing trials for picking its squad for the 63rd Santosh Trophy football tournament at Biscoe School Ground from May 4 to 6.
The 63rd Santosh Trophy would be held at Tamil Nadu from May 24 in which 31 teams from all around the country would participate.
For trials JKFA Kashmir Wing has selected 30 players while its Jammu wing has selected 20 players. Out of these, 24 would be selected for the camp that will start at the same venue. JK Team would leave from valley on May 18.
Giving details about the trials, a JKFA official said, “We selected talented players from all over the state for the trials. During short-listing, selectors gave preference to talent without caring whether he has represented state in any big event or not. After three days of trials, short listed players would undergo coaching camp.”
The Association has kept reserved the places of the players like Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo, Ishfaq Ahmad, Kamal Jeet, Waseem Feroze and Mansoor who play for different national clubs.
“Several of our players are playing in I-league for different national level clubs. To make our contingent strong, we kept their places reserved till we get confirmation from their respective clubs. We have sent letters to their clubs managements,” the official said.
JK has been kept in Cluster III along with Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh and Pudicherry and they will play their all group matches at St Joseph College, Tiruchirappalli. In first match, they will lock horns with Madhya Pradesh on May 24 while on May 26 they will take on Pudicherry. In their last group match, JK will be against Mizoram.
The JKFA expects team to qualify for the next round by winning all their group matches.
“Luckily our team is in not in strong group and we expect to win all group matches. If our national stars are free to play Santosh Trophy, we can even beat teams like Pudicherry and Madhya Pradesh,” the official said.
Last year’s winners, Punjab, runner up Services and other two semi finalists West Bengal and Karnataka will directly play in the quarter final league round.
While 27 other teams are divided into eight clusters with each cluster winner playing in the pre-quarterfinal knockout round. The four winners from the pre-quarterfinal knockout round will qualify for the quarterfinal league round.
The quarter final league round will be divided into two groups with the winners and runners up from each group qualifying for the semis.
Chennai’s Nehru Stadium will host the quarterfinal league round matches, semis and the final. The final would be held on June 14.
published in greater kashmir on June 2 2009 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=2_5_2009&ItemID=8&cat=4
Srinagar, May 1: The J&K Football Association is organizing trials for picking its squad for the 63rd Santosh Trophy football tournament at Biscoe School Ground from May 4 to 6.
The 63rd Santosh Trophy would be held at Tamil Nadu from May 24 in which 31 teams from all around the country would participate.
For trials JKFA Kashmir Wing has selected 30 players while its Jammu wing has selected 20 players. Out of these, 24 would be selected for the camp that will start at the same venue. JK Team would leave from valley on May 18.
Giving details about the trials, a JKFA official said, “We selected talented players from all over the state for the trials. During short-listing, selectors gave preference to talent without caring whether he has represented state in any big event or not. After three days of trials, short listed players would undergo coaching camp.”
The Association has kept reserved the places of the players like Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo, Ishfaq Ahmad, Kamal Jeet, Waseem Feroze and Mansoor who play for different national clubs.
“Several of our players are playing in I-league for different national level clubs. To make our contingent strong, we kept their places reserved till we get confirmation from their respective clubs. We have sent letters to their clubs managements,” the official said.
JK has been kept in Cluster III along with Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh and Pudicherry and they will play their all group matches at St Joseph College, Tiruchirappalli. In first match, they will lock horns with Madhya Pradesh on May 24 while on May 26 they will take on Pudicherry. In their last group match, JK will be against Mizoram.
The JKFA expects team to qualify for the next round by winning all their group matches.
“Luckily our team is in not in strong group and we expect to win all group matches. If our national stars are free to play Santosh Trophy, we can even beat teams like Pudicherry and Madhya Pradesh,” the official said.
Last year’s winners, Punjab, runner up Services and other two semi finalists West Bengal and Karnataka will directly play in the quarter final league round.
While 27 other teams are divided into eight clusters with each cluster winner playing in the pre-quarterfinal knockout round. The four winners from the pre-quarterfinal knockout round will qualify for the quarterfinal league round.
The quarter final league round will be divided into two groups with the winners and runners up from each group qualifying for the semis.
Chennai’s Nehru Stadium will host the quarterfinal league round matches, semis and the final. The final would be held on June 14.
published in greater kashmir on June 2 2009 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=2_5_2009&ItemID=8&cat=4
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
State arm wrestling event from May 14
Srinagar, Apr 28: Senior state arm wrestling championship would be organized at physical department hall, Islamia College from May 14 to 16.
The event, organized by J&K Arm Wrestling Association is open for all the players of J&K. State contingent for national championship scheduled to be held in Srinagar from June 19 to 23 would be selected during the event.
The championship is being held in weight categories of under- 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 110 and + 110 kg.
Indian Arm Wrestling Federation (IAWF) last month allowed J&K Arm Wresting Association to host the national meet in which around 300 players from 20 states are expected to participate.
General Secretary, of the Association, Riyaz Ahmad said, “We have requested the college authorities for permission. Competitions in 11 weight categories would be held and in each category we will select two participants for the national event.”
About the competition, he said, “We expect large number of hard core arm wrestlers to compete. We also expect previous champions to take part in it.”
The 33rd national arm wrestling event is being held first time in State.
“It is first time that our state will be hosting national event. We have shortlisted Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Stadium and Tagore Hall for the national event and the participants would be lodged at Youth Hostel, which is in close vicinity to both the expected venues,” he said.
“The competitions would be held in both men and women category. IAWF is also thinking of including the junior categories and if that is finalized, it will be a bigger event,” he said, adding, special attraction of the event would be the competitions of physically challenged persons and senior citizens.
“Arm wrestling is the only sports discipline in which physically challenged competitors compete with equal competitiveness,” Riyaz said.
published in greater kashmir on April 29 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=29_4_2009&ItemID=5&cat=4
The event, organized by J&K Arm Wrestling Association is open for all the players of J&K. State contingent for national championship scheduled to be held in Srinagar from June 19 to 23 would be selected during the event.
The championship is being held in weight categories of under- 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 110 and + 110 kg.
Indian Arm Wrestling Federation (IAWF) last month allowed J&K Arm Wresting Association to host the national meet in which around 300 players from 20 states are expected to participate.
General Secretary, of the Association, Riyaz Ahmad said, “We have requested the college authorities for permission. Competitions in 11 weight categories would be held and in each category we will select two participants for the national event.”
About the competition, he said, “We expect large number of hard core arm wrestlers to compete. We also expect previous champions to take part in it.”
The 33rd national arm wrestling event is being held first time in State.
“It is first time that our state will be hosting national event. We have shortlisted Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Stadium and Tagore Hall for the national event and the participants would be lodged at Youth Hostel, which is in close vicinity to both the expected venues,” he said.
“The competitions would be held in both men and women category. IAWF is also thinking of including the junior categories and if that is finalized, it will be a bigger event,” he said, adding, special attraction of the event would be the competitions of physically challenged persons and senior citizens.
“Arm wrestling is the only sports discipline in which physically challenged competitors compete with equal competitiveness,” Riyaz said.
published in greater kashmir on April 29 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=29_4_2009&ItemID=5&cat=4
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