Sports Reporter
JAMMU: Organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Wushu Association, the 13th State Championship got underway at Indoor Complex, MA Stadium, here on Wednesday.
Around 800 participants, mostly from Jammu District, shall compete for the top honours in this four-day competition. Other participating districts are Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Shopian, Bandipora, Kargil, Leh, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi and Jammu, a handout issued by the Association informed.
The event was declared open by the General Secretary of J and K Olympic Association, Ashutosh Sharma in the presence of office bearers of the Association, Vijay Saraf anad Ranjeet Kalra. Also present were Joint Secretary of State Sports Council, Shiv Kumar Sharma and Chief Sports Officer, Abdul Qayoom.
Speaking on the occasion Ranjeet Kalra appreciated the efforts of Wushu Association under India coach Kuldeep Handoo for promoting the game. Kalra also highlighted the initiatives being taken by the Sports Council for promoting sports especially the personal initiative and encouragement being showered by the Chief Minister, who is also the President of State Sports Council, on accomplished players. The opening fight of the sub junior category in 30 kg was of teen sensation Tajamul Islam who defeated Shaftan Hamid from Baramulla.
Vote of thanks presented by Kuldeep Handoo. Also present were Sohit Sharma, Ajay Paul, Arun Singh, Lalit Singh, Ruchi,Ashi Jamwal, Usha Kher (DySP) Bhanu Partap Singh and Rajinder Singh.
