All star exhibition match held in Srinagar

Ishfaq, Wadoo enthrall spectators with their Play

Srinagar, June 18: The city central Polo Ground Srinagar came alive on Thursday with the all star exhibition match that was organized by Football Players Welfare Association and sponsored by Srinagar Municipality Committee.

Apart from different international and national stars of valley who have been associated with different sports, valley’s two international footballers Ishfaq Ahmad and Mehraj-ud-din Wadoo played in the match. To watch the fun cum exhibition match large number of spectators had thronged Polo ground.

Mayor’s-XI was led by Ishfaq Ahmad while Commissioners-XI was led by Mehraj-ud-din Wadoo. In the match that was being played with the aim to promote football and other sports of valley players of both teams gave out their best performance.

From the start match was dominated by Commissioners-XI. Though Mayor’s-XI made some decent moves they were very few as compared to Commissioners-XI. The first half turned out as goalless. In second half Commissioners-XI stepped up their attack and they were successful in scoring back to back two goals. Khursheed scored first goal while second was scored by Hussain.

In match all the players were stars and had done something special in their respective sports field but whenever ball was under the possession of either Ishfaq or Wadoo the crowd was coming alive and were giving huge roar. Both stars did not disappoint their fans who had come in huge number by giving out their best.

Commissioners-XI won match by 2-0.

After the all star exhibition match between current footballers of valley was played. Like previous one this match was also led by Ishfaq and Wadoo.

It was first time that such a match was played in the history of valley football. The main aim of the match was to give fans some thing cheer as the football season in valley has not started yet despite climate been idle.

Wadoo said, “I cannot express how much happy I am. It is after long time that I played football in front of my own people. The more delightful experience was to play alongside to those who have taught me lot since my childhood.”

About the match and he said, “Though all the players who played were not footballers but they played excellent football. In the match their was Olympic skier, international kayaker, Cyclist and also cricketers.”

On the occasion Ishfaq said, “I always look for opportunity to play in valley. It was only because of that reason I played in last years Santosh trophy tournament that was held in Srinagar. So when FPWA asked me about the match I readily agreed to play.”

“It was fun to play alongside former stars of valley that have made state proud by achieving success in their respective sports field.” he added.

On the occasion J&K Football association was criticised by the spectators for wasting whole season without starting yearly league.

“Usually at this time of the year league football used to be in full swing but this year not a single match has been organized. We get only few months to enjoy football here in valley due to climatic conditions and Football Association has robed us of that as well” said septuagarian football fan Muhammad Ismail.

Pertinently in valley active football season is only for five months from mid April to ending September due to climatic conditions. Out of that almost two months have passed and there is no sign of league being started.

Teams

Mayor’s-XI: Ishfaq Ahmad, Zahoor Haroon, Abdul Qayoom (cricketer), Zahoor Bhat (cricketer), Reyaz Ahmad( cyclist), Khurshid Baba, Iftikhar, Zahoor Latoo( Kayaking), Mushtaq, Nazir Andrabi, Waseem Feroze, Aijaz Rah and Zahoor Teli.

Commissioner’s-XI: Mehrajj-ud-Din Wadoo, Syed Ahmad, Aijaz Ashai( Physio Therapist), Khursheed, Hussain, MY Dar, Gul Mustafa( Olympian),Tabrez, M Aslam, Samiullah (cricketer) and Tajamul.

Apeared in Greater Kashmir on June 19 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=19_6_2009&ItemID=13&cat=4

Troops still ‘occupy’ Bakshi Stadium

Players, Officials Allege Harassment, PRO CRPF Denies

Srinagar, June 14: Despite repeated assurances by the successive regimes, major portion of Bakshi Stadium, here, is still ‘occupied’ by the para-military CRPF troops.

Named after former prime minister of J&K, Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad, the stadium was once hub of sports activities. But since the militancy erupted in Valley in early 90’s troops occupied major portion of it. It has become a transit camp for troops now.
From entrance gate to interiors of the stadium building, major chunk of the stadium is occupied by the troops.
Southern and Northern pavilions of the stadium are under troops. They are also occupying the changing rooms and other office rooms of J&K State Sports Council. The troops also use one side of the stadium as parking space for their vehicles, which number from 50-60 each day. The security scenario inside stadium is so intense that no one can enter or leave without the permission of troops.
At entrance gate bunkers have been erected and concertina wire has been placed which makes entry of players and officials difficult. After crossing the main gate, one can see security vehicles parked in and around.
“This Stadium is more of security camp. Players find it hard to enter inside the stadium despite having valid identity cards. It is only after they call manager stadium they are allowed to enter. The troops don’t also allow them to park their vehicles inside,” said, a Sport Council coach, on the condition of anonymity.
“It is not only players, but we also many a times have to face the wrath of troops. Despite knowing us they don’t allow us to enter when they have got some high-ranking officer inside. If they can do it with us what can players expect?” he asked.
The troops have erected urinals on the side of basketball court and cricket practice wickets, which makes practice of players difficult.
“There is such a foul smell that one can’t stand, not to think of practicing for hours. We don’t understand why they have erected urinals despite having bathrooms under their occupation,” said a basketball player, Harpal Singh.
“In contrast to Jammu players and coaches have round the clock access without any difficulty. I was in Jammu and used to practice till late hours. But here after the Council office closes at 4 pm, no one is allowed to practice,” he added.
Heavy presence of troops bars parents to send their children for the coaching in the stadium. They fear that, if any untoward incidence happens, their children would be in trouble. Another thing that is worrying parents is regarding girls. Due to presence of forces they are hesitant to send them for coaching.
“How can a parent send his ward to practice at a place which is fully occupied by the troops who roam half naked inside the stadium. Once a parent enters stadium with his ward inside for admission, firstly he faces difficulty at entrance due to security. Some how when he manages to enter he can easily see security personals roaming and sleeping half naked in the stadium. That makes the decision to send wards for regular practice very difficult,” said a coach of the Council.
The other difficulty faced by the female staff and students is the non-existence of female security personals at the entrance gate.
“There is no female security at entrance gate for security check. The male security personals deliberately harass us in the name of security. Many a times, we go back from the gate,” said Shazia, an athlete.
The players also say that the dogs of CRPF bark at every one.
“The dogs have made our life difficult. They bark and run after us whenever we enter or leave the stadium,” said, Amir, a footballer.
Manager Bakshi Stadium, Abdul Qayoom, said, “We have got nothing to do with it. Whether security remains in stadium or not it is the decision of Government and home ministry.”
Public Relation Officer, CRPF, Prabakhar Tripathi denied the allegations.
“No player or official is ever harassed by the troops. Our job is to only check the identity of the players and officials,” he said.
“There are only sniffer dogs are always under proper check by the troops and they can’t create any problems as such,” he added.

Appeared in Greater Kashmir on June 15 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=15_6_2009&ItemID=32&cat=4

Abid Nabi, Dhruv Mahajan sever ties with ICL

Srinagar, June 12: Valley’s International cricketer, Abid Nabi has severed ties with rebel India Cricket League and is most likely to play for JK Ranji team this season.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently welcomed back 79 cricketers to the fold after they cut ties with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).
Among the 79 players who have been granted amnesty by the BCCI, name of two JK players Abid Nabi and Dhruv Mahajan also features. Like other 77 players who belong to different states Abid and Dhruv are eligible to play for their respective states from June 1. It means that JK Ranji team, which has been performing badly in Ranji trophy, will get services of two players who have international experience.
Abid and Dhruv along with other 77 players had got NOC from ICL and applied for rejoining the mainstream cricket under the amnesty scheme offered by the BCCI. The BCCI, after scrutinizing the requests, has written to the concerned state associations that these players are eligible to play in the domestic tournaments from this year.
Guidelines with respect to participation in Indian Premier League will be intimated to state associations after consultation with IPL body, the BCCI statement at the time of granting amnesty had mentioned.
The Board has also decided that such players will have to serve one-year cooling off period before becoming eligible to play international cricket.
The Indian board announced on April 29 an amnesty for all Indian players associated with the rebel ICL, with a May 31 deadline. Players who did so would be eligible to play international cricket after a one-year ‘cooling period’ and domestic cricket from June 1, when the ICC’s new rules on official and unofficial cricket came into force.
Though BCCI statement clearly states it that the players who have been granted amnesty are eligible to play for respective state teams from June 1. The J&K Cricket Association still has not received any communications regarding allowing these players in the domestic cricket.
The JKCA general secretary, Saleem Khan, said, “We haven’t received any communication till now from the BCCI regarding allowing the players to play domestic cricket. When we receive any new guideline from BCCI, we would welcome these two players in our fold.”
He also made it clear that the players will have go through selection trails in order to pave their way back into state team.
“It is not as such that they will get automatic place in the JK Ranji team but they will have to go through selection trials like any other player,” he said.
The JKCA general secretary also suggested both the players to respect the organization whether they are part of it or not.
“I want to suggest both players particularly Abid to respect organization, team, club whether you are part of it or not. After joining the ICL he (Abid) many times publicly criticized JKCA and its policies. We never reacted and now he has again come back to our fold. He is young and has to learn a lot,” Khan said.
Abid came into limelight when he was called by former Team India coach Greig Chappel to Mohali were Team India was playing a test match. Abid was recommended by former Australian great Deniss Lilee to Greig who was impressed by his skills at MRF pace academy. In Mohali, Abid bowled at players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid and impressed them. Despite that he could not find a place in Team India.
Dejected with the attitude of BCCI selectors, despite performing brilliantly in Ranji trophy for JK team, Abid joined ICL.
In ICL, Abid was part of the Delhi Giants. He played in two ICL tournaments. Though he was not able perform in first season but in second season he performed brilliantly and regular feature in team.
Dhruv is an all rounder and showed his skills in ICL by winning couple of man of the matches. If Abid joined ICL because he could not find place in national for Dhruv it was platform to show case his talent.
Abid confirmed that he has got NOC from ICL and also amnesty from BCCI.
“I’ve been granted amnesty by BCCI. I look forward to play for JK team but that depends on the conditions set by BCCI,” he said.

Apeared in Greater Kashmir on June 13 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=13_6_2009&ItemID=35&cat=4

Bashir Malik nominated for Glory of India Award

Srinagar, June 11: After receiving Rashtriya Guarav Award recently, former general secretary J&K Football Association, Bashir Ahmad Malik, has been selected for international award “Glory of India Award” by a noted voluntary organization of New Delhi – India International Friendship Society for his contribution in the field of sports.
The prestigious award would be presented to him at the annual function of the organization to be held at London on July 18, according to a letter received by him from the organization.
“In recognition to your contribution towards the development of sports in the J&K state, we nominate you for our annual international award. We are impressed with your contribution and the services in the field of sports and feel privileged to honor you,” the letter said.
The India International Friendship Society is a voluntary organization established to forge greater unity and integrity among the people of Indian origin living anywhere in India or in any part of the world. To honor persons who have contributed in different fields, it organizes award ceremonies every year in Delhi and outside country. The society has already honored personalities like Mother Teresa, B D Jatti, M Fatima Devi, Justice P N Bhagwati, K B N Singh, Bhishma Narain Singh, G V G Krishnamoorthy, Vijay Mallya besides film artists Sunil Dutt, Dev Anand, Pran, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, S P Balasubramaniam, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Sunil Gavaskar and several other eminent personalities.
Malik has been active in the sports field of the state since 1980. He was a regular member of Iqbal Sports Football Club till 1989 during which he represented the state in two national championships besides a number of other all India level competitions. He held the post of treasurer JKFA, Kashmir wing from 1996 to 2004. He was elected as general secretary JKFA in 2004.
Apart from organizing Santosh Trophy, the state excelled in many events at the national level during his tenure. He is the chairman Iqbal Sports, a private football club which has given many a great footballers to the state including international stars, Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo and Ishfaq Ahmad.
Malik has already got Rashtriya Gourav Award in a function held at New Delhi recently given by the same organization.

Apeared in Greater Kashmir on June 12 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=12_6_2009&ItemID=31&cat=4

8th All India Police Water Sports Championship

JK Coach delighted with team’s performance

ABID KHAN

Srinagar, June 9: A day after JK team was declared overall champions in the 8th All India Police Water Sports championship, JK coach was all praise for his team and hoped that they will continue their performance in coming events as well.
JK was declared over all team champions as they won 13 gold and three silver medals.
“We had expected to bag overall team championship but never thought of bagging such number of medals. Players gave out their best. It is not for the first time that we bagged team championship, but it was first time we bagged it in both Kayaking and Canoeing events,” the coach said.
Out of 18 events in Kayaking and Canoeing, JK bagged medals in 16. In Kayaking team bagged seven gold and two silver medals while it bagged six gold and one silver in Canoeing. The only disappointment was Rowing in which JK couldn’t even qualify heats.
Asked, how team achieved amazing results in Kayaking and Canoeing events, the coach said, “We had the advantage of being hosts and the second reason was that the newly procured boats by our department. In previous national events, we had disadvantage of not having practice of new latest boats.”
The coach was all praise for his player’s particularly international star Zahoor Latoo and new find Adil who both bagged three individual gold medals in addition to team medals.
“We had kept all our hopes on Zahoor and he delivered from the day one. Zahoor’s performance boosted the morale of other players and they also delivered,” he said.
During the championship, selection of players for All India Police team was done. The event would be held in Himachal Pradesh in October.
In the championship, total 18 teams of various State Police and paramilitary forces compete.

Zahoor brings laurels for JK

GK NEWS NETWORK

Srinagar, June 9: Going with his reputation of winning medals for state and his team, valley’s international Kayaking player, Zahoor Lattoo won nine medals for his team in the 8th All India Police Water Sports Championship that concluded at Sheri-Kashmir International Convention Centre here on Monday.
Before championship every one expected medals from Zahoor as he has been the lone individual medal winner for his departmental and state teams all these years in various national events.
He did exactly that by winning first gold for team in K-1, 1000-meter event and then in second joined Parvez in K-2, 1000 meter to bag second gold. He was also part of K-4, 1000 meter, which won gold on opening day.
Zahoor continued his superb form on second day by winning gold in K-1, 500 meter event and then won another gold along with Parvaiz in K-2, 500-meter event. In K-4, 500 meter he had satisfy with silver medal along with team.
In K-2, 200 meter he won silver while won gold in K-4, 200 meter. K-1, 200-meter event, which is considered toughest event of championship and is also favorite event o Zahoor was held on last day of the event. Zahoor without disappointing any one bagged gold in that as well.
With these nine medals Zahoor has bagged 45 national medals for state at national level. He has also represented country in international event at Malaysia.
“Before championship I expected to win atleast five medals as I had done that before as well. At the end of first day after winning one individual and two team gold medals, winning nine out of nine looked possible for me” he said.
Zahoor has now set his eyes on senior national championship and 34th national games that are going to be held in Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand respectively.

Emerging star of the event

GK NEWS NETWORK

Srinagar, June 9: Every one expected Zahoor to bag individual medal for JK team in 8th All India Police Water Sports Championship, but the player who surprised every one was young talented Canoeing player Adil who won three out of three individual gold medals.
Before this event Adil, 19, had not participated in any senior national event and had been performing in junior national events only. So no one expected him to bag three individual gold medals.
But the coach, Farooq Ahmad had always trust in his capabilities and gave him responsibility of representing team in C-1 event ahead of several senior players. Though at that time it did not go well within the team, but Adil with his performance on the opening day proved the decision of the coach right. He won gold in K-1, 1000 meter. In the championship he won six gold medals that included three individual medals also. He also won one team silver medal.

Apeared in Greater Kashmir on June 10 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=10_6_2009&ItemID=10&cat=4

8th All India Police Water Sports Championship from today

GK NEWS NETWORK

Srinagar, June 1: The stage is set for 8th All India Police Water Sports championship scheduled to commence in Dal Lake on Tuesday.
Around 350 athletes from 18 teams from all over India are going to participate in the week-long event that will be inaugurated by chief secretary, S S Kapur.
This is second time that JK Police will be hosting mega event after hosting the 3rd All India Police Water Sports Championship in 2003. The competitions of kayaking, Canoeing and Rowing would be held in the championship.
“For making this event, a grand success we have made all arrangements ready. In the championship competitions of the three water sport disciplines would be held. In Kayaking and Canoeing competitions of nine events will be held while in Rowing competitions of six events would be held” Director General of Police (CID), Dr Ashok Bhan said.
He said that in the championship recently procured start of the art Kayaking and canoeing boats would be used.
“Our department has recently procured in start of the art water sport boats and the events of championship would be held in those boats. With acquiring of boats our department has become self sufficient in water sports and we are not dependent on any one,” Dr Bhan said.
When asked about the strength of JK team and their preparations he said, “The strength of our team would be of 20 members and we will participate in all the three disciplines. Our team is ready and they have been practicing through-out year for this event.”
“As for players we have got international level of players in our team who has brought laurels for state in various competitions. Our team will be having advantage of being host and due to that reason we are hoping that we will win more medals this time,” Dr Bhan said.
Since 1998 when JK Police formed water sports team it has always excelled in All India Police Meet and have brought laurels for their department and state. They have also won laurels in other national and international events.
Team has twice won Kayaking team championship in All India Police meet and has remained runner-up on two occasions. In 2006, team won team championship by winning three gold, one silver and one bronze and in 2007 they won one gold, two silver and four bronze medals.
In Kayaking competitions will be held in K-1, K-2 and K-4 while in Canoeing competitions of C-1, C-2 and C-4 would be held. Competitions of Single Scull, Double Scull and Coxless Scull would be held in Rowing. The medal ceremony of individual events would be held on daily basis each day. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would be chief guest during closing ceremony on June 8.
For smooth and successful conduct of the championship, different committees have been constituted to perform the assigned tasks during the event. The committees constituted are organizing committee, reception, accommodation, transport, souvenir, printing and publicity, jury of appeal, and opening and closing committees.
The organizing committee will have 14 members. They include DGP (CID), Dr Ashok Bhan, IGP, Jammu, K Rajendra, IGP, (Headquarters), P L Gupta, IGP (Personnel), Ram Lubhaya, IGP Crime, SM Sahai, IGP, Home Guards, Dilbagh Singh, Director SSG, Raja Aijaz Ali, IGP Security, A K Gupta, IGP Traffic, M A Shah, IGP (Mod), Z H Chisti, IGP, Kashmir, Dr B Srinivas, IGP Police Housing Corporation, Ravinder Kotwal, IGP, Raialways, M A Anjum, and IGP (CID) Farooq Ahmed. Besides, Inspector General of Police (Armed), Sheikh Owais will be the Organizing Secretary of the Committee.
IGP (Armed), Sheikh Owais will head the Opening, Closing and Hospitality Committee, having 11 members and IGP Crime, S M Sahai will head the Invitation, Souvenir and Printing Committee having 6 members.

JK Police to set up water sports academy in Dal Lake

GK NEWS NETWORK

Srinagar, June 1: In its effort to promote water sports in the valley, Jammu Kashmir Police is planning to set up an academy in Dal Lake.
“We are lucky enough that we have got number of water bodies and tap the water sporting potential. We are planning to establish a water sports academy in Dal Lake,” Director General of Police (CID) Dr Ashok Bhan said.
Bhan said the water sports activities will touch heights if the academy comes up in the famous lake, which is one of the main tourist attractions in the state.
“Apart from helping sports activities, this event will also help our tourism industry in its revival,” Dr Bhan said.
“Water sports are among the most flourishing and fast evolving disciplines in the world. The state has produced some world class athletes in water sports who have represented the country at international level,” he added.

appeared in greater Kashmir on June 2 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=2_6_2009&ItemID=12&cat=4