Kashmir hosts Inter-University Kayaking and Canoeing championships

Srinagar, Nov. 12: Over twenty teams from various universities of different States participated in the 4th Inter-University Kayaking and Canoeing Championship held here at the water sports centre at Nageen Lake after a gap of seven years.

Over 450 students arrived here for the three-day championship organised by the Kashmir University under the auspices of Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi from November 10 to 12.

"In this part of the Kashmir valley, the water sports and adventure sports have high fan following. So, we are thinking about developing it on a priority basis, " said Abdul Wahid Qureshi, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University on the inauguration-day.

The event was aimed at giving an impetus to the water sports in Kashmir, as the Valley is endowed with suitable natural sites essential for promoting water sports, including water resources and other infrastructure.

All participants showed a lot of enthusiasm and said that Kashmir was best suited to hold water sports championship in the country.

Local participants wanted a regular coach for the team which would help them improve their sporting capabilities.

"We have a lot of talent; the need is to tap the talent. There should be a regular coach, although the facilities are available. The more we will practice, the better we will perform, " said Vilayat Hussain, a participant.

Participants from other States have been upbeat and enthusiastic to compete with each other in the tournament.

"I have come to Srinagar for first time and feeling very nice. People here are also very good. We will try to win medal in the tournament. We have put in hard labour and expect that we will get the fruits of our labour, " said Sonal, another participant.

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It differentiated from canoeing by the fact that a kayak has a closed cockpit and a canoe has an open cockpit. They also use a two bladed paddle.

Kayakers sit in a seat on the bottom of the boat with their legs extended out in front of them. Canoeists will either sit on an elevated bench seat or kneel directly on the bottom of the boat.

Canoeing is the activity of paddling a canoe for the purpose of recreation (also called a float trip), sport, or transportation. It usually refers exclusively to using a paddle to propel a canoe with only human muscle power.

A Kayak is propelled using a paddle with two blades where the paddler sits with their legs in front of them, whereas canoes are propelled using single- or double-bladed paddles where the paddler is kneeling or sitting.

Kayaks are usually closed-decked boats with a spray deck, while canoes are usually open boats.

Jammu and Kashmir has organised many sporting events this year. The State administration is also taking various measures to promote tourism in the picturesque valley through water and adventure sports..

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