Governor inaugurates Senior National Rugby Championship

Stresses for promotion of this game in J&K
SRINAGAR: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, inaugurated the Senior National Rugby 7’s Championship at Bakhshi Stadium here today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor observed that he was very happy to learn that there are very good Rugby players in Jammu and Kashmir. He hoped that with the organizing of this national level Rugby event at Srinagar this game would become even more popular in the State. To give a boost to the youth who play Rugby, the Governor suggested to Mr. Sarmad Hafeez, President, J&K Rugby Association, to organize Rugby matches of the best boys and girls teams, both at Srinagar and Jammu, and to enable this to be done he announced a support of rupees one lakh. He also urged Mr. Hafeez to organize Rugby matches in Leh and Kargil districts next year with a view to promote Rugby in the Ladakh region as well.
Earlier, the players of all the participating teams were introduced to the Governor. He interacted with them and wished them very successful performances during the 3-day Championship.
The Governor declared the Championship open by releasing the colourful balloons. He also witnessed for some time the inaugural match of the Championship which was played between J&K and Uttar Pradesh teams.
Mr. Hafeez presented a memento to the Governor on this occasion.
Mr. Pramod Khanna, President, Indian Rugby Football Union, thanked the Governor for declaring the Championship open. He proposed that an international Rugby Championship may be held in the State in the coming time.
Mr. Sarmad Hafeez, President, J&K Rugby Association, in his welcome address, dwelt on the initiatives being taken for promoting Rugby in the State. He said that 20 Rugby teams from various States of the country are participating in this Championship.
Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Dilip Thussu, Secretary, State Sports Council, functionaries of the Youth Services and Sports Department, Sports Council and J&K Rugby Association, players, coaches and managers of the participating teams and sports lovers were present on this occasion.