Great Nigeen Swim event concludes, draws 45 participants
Srinagar, Sep 22: Forty-five swimmers braved the waters of Nigeen Lake in Srinagar as the Swim N Survive Society – Kashmir, in collaboration with the Underwater Sports Association of J&K, hosted the Great Nigeen Swim, a 3.6-kilometre endurance challenge.
As per a statement issued on Monday, the challenge was flagged off by Shakeel Ahmad, President of the Swim N Survive Society – Kashmir, along with Yasir Makhdoomi, Secretary of the Society, and Riyaz Ahmad Wani, noted swimming and cycling expert.
Swimmers, including five women, charted a 3.6 km course from the Nigeen Water Sports Centre, completing four demanding laps towards the houseboat area. The entire event was meticulously tracked with Garmin devices, while volunteers Imran Sofi, Sheikh Rashid, and Er Rayees Naqasbandi ensured smooth execution.
The participant list read like a roll call of Kashmir’s most respected swimmers and adventure sportsmen, including Dr Sheikh Tariq, RTD Er Mushtaq Wani, Ajaz Khan (Paristaan Group), national fin swimmers Mohammad Faaliq Najar, Momin bin Tariq, Zaid Wani, and Sadiq, and national medallists Mohsin Fayaz and Owais Rashid.
The event was also enriched by inspiring family participation – Abdullah bin Imran swam alongside his sister Fatima Imran, while Abdullah Aijaz swam together with his father Aijaz Khan and sister Irtika Aijaz, exemplifying the spirit of togetherness through sport.
At the valedictory ceremony, Station House Officer Nowhatta, Malik Naseer, presented certificates and finisher gifts to all participants, commending their achievement and resilience.
Speaking at the closing, representatives of the Swim N Survive Society reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing a culture of adventure, endurance, and aquatic sports in the region.
Expressing gratitude, Riyaz Wani, water sports expert, lauded the technical officials, volunteers and SDRF unit Nigeen for their vital role, emphasising that such initiatives not only test limits but also inspire the next generation to embrace physically demanding and life-enriching activities.
