A Fusion of Sports, Culture and Culinary Excellence
STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: The highly prestigious J&K Open 2023 golf tournament, in its second edition at Jammu, was organized under the auspices of the J&K Tourism Department by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with PGTI and the Jammu Tawi Golf Course. This extraordinary event took place from October 4th to 8th, 2023, at the Jammu Tawi Golf Course and hosted a total of 126 international golfers from across the globe. Their participation further elevated the event’s global prestige. The tournament seamlessly blended sports, culture, and culinary craftsmanship, surpassing all expectations and leaving an indelible mark on participants and spectators alike.
The tournament’s inauguration was graced by Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to LG, J&K and Secretary Tourism, Dr. Syed.Abid Rasheed, along with esteemed dignitaries, lending an aura of grandeur to the event. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor hailed the event as a significant platform for showcasing J&K’s potential as a golf tourism destination. He lauded the Tourism Department and PGTI for their commendable efforts in organizing the tournament and providing local golfers with invaluable exposure.
Secretary Tourism, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, emphasized the event’s pivotal role in enhancing and promoting golf tourism in J&K. He underscored that participants would not only savor world-class golf but also immerse themselves in the rich Dogri culture, art, and cuisine, positioning J&K as a prominent contributor to India’s burgeoning golf tourism sector. The J&K Open 2023 seamlessly blended sports, culture and culinary craftsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on all attendees. Golf clinics nurtured young talent, captivating cultural performances showcased the region’s artistic heritage, guided tours for the golfers explored historical treasures, the Dogra Food Festival delighted with local cuisine, and an Art & Craft Extravaganza immersed visitors in the richness of Jammu’s culture. The coveted rolling trophy, adorned with the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, symbolizing engineering excellence and regional pride, was triumphantly raised by the J&K Open 2023 champion, Om Prakash Chouhan, encapsulating the tournament’s essence. In addition to that, Vedant Handa got 1st prize for longest drive of 334 yards.
Additionally, special souvenirs, crafted by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, were presented to the golfers. These souvenirs embodied the treasures of the Jammu region.
The closing ceremony was graced by Spl. Secretary Tourism, Amarjeet Singh; Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Sharma Mehta; Secretary Jammu Tawi Golf Course, Manav Gupta; and CEO of PGTI, Uttam Mandy, Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Director Tourism, along with other dignitaries, all acknowledging the tournament’s resounding success and cultural richness. They presented the trophy, winning amount, and souvenirs to the champion, Om Prakash Chouhan.
On the tournament’s final day, a captivating Pro-Am event united professionals and club amateurs, fostering a spirited display of sportsmanship and camaraderie. The victorious Pro-Am team, under the leadership of professional golfer Sachin Baisoya, received their prizes from Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, adding to the event’s prestige and excitement. The J&K Open 2023 golf tournament was an unparalleled success, leaving an indelible mark on all attendees. It embodied the vibrant culture, rich heritage, and unwavering sporting spirit that define Jammu and Kashmir.