J&K Dragon Boat Team leaves for Maharashtra Championship, Asian Games trials

Srinagar, Nov 21: The Jammu & Kashmir Dragon Boat Team was flagged off for the 12th National Dragon Boat Championship in Nanded, Maharashtra, where athletes will also compete in selection trials for the 2026 Asian Beach Games.

As per a statement issued on Friday, Senior Vice President of the J&K Dragon Boat Association and former Director of Disaster Management Er Aamir Ali flagged off the team from Srinagar.

The championship is organised by Dragon Boat India and the Traditional Sports Federation, in association with the Maharashtra Dragon Boat and Traditional Water Sports Association.

This year’s event carries added significance with the inclusion of Para Dragon Boat events, underscoring the commitment to inclusivity and providing athletes with disabilities an opportunity to compete at the national level.

The championship will also feature the Selection Trials for the 6th Asian Beach Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Sanya, Hainan, China, a valuable opportunity for Indian athletes aspiring to represent the country internationally.

The J&K team is supported by Khyber Cements Ltd and J&K Police, whose support has enabled the athletes to participate in this prestigious event.

Farooq Ahmad Bhat, Team Coach, who is also the National Selector for the said selection trials, is accompanying the J&K team, which comprises both boys and girls.