Shopian, January 19:Iin a first of its kind event, Sqay Federation of India thanked Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Dr Owais Ahmed for his tireless efforts in promoting and supporting the game in the district. He is the first Deputy Commissioner of the country who has been felicitated by SQAY Federation of India and J&K SQAY association.
The letter of appreciation which was sent to the Deputy Commissioner by Sqay Federation of India was handed over to him by a delegation of Sqay association of Jammu and Kashmir headed by its State president, Riyaz Ahmad Shah, district president Shopian Sharjeel Ahmad Naikoo and general secretary Tahir Ahmad in presence of several officials and players associated with sqay. On the occasion, Dr Owais Ahmed was also presented the traditional attire of Sqay martial arts as well.
Since taking over as Deputy Commissioner, Dr Owais has been encouraging the youth of the district to take part in sports activities. Pertinent to mention here that many good players were not able to fulfill their dreams of playing for the country due to lack of funding. The Deputy Commissioner’s initiative has not only made it possible for all to participate in national and international events but many of them have brought laurels to the state and the district.
The young participants from Shopian have won many gold and silver medals at various Sqay martial arts championships held in the country and abroad. Recently, Sqay martial art championship event was held as part of 64th National School Games at Delhi in which Tawqeer Ashraf resident of Hergam Shopian and Raja Younis from Batpora Shopian won gold medals while Liaba Imtiyaz, resident of Gagren and Faizan Ayoub (tiger), resident of Pinjura Shopian won silver medal respectively. Similarly last year, Ehsan Bodha who was sponsored by district administration won gold medal at Internation Sqay Martial Arts Championship held at South Korea.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner said that its a proud moment for him. He said that the district administration has been providing each and every support to young players of the district. Around thirteen thousand players participated in the Khelo Shopian initiative and the number will further swell in present year. During interaction with young players, he advised them to pursue their dreams and work for betterment of the district. He also told them to take benefit of the free civil services coaching started in the district. He further said that the Government is planning to add sports infrastructure to the district and we will see new courts along with various indoor and outdoor sports facilities being in Shopian.
The State President of Sqay association of J&K, Riyaz Ahmad Shah, said that it was not possible to achieve such success without the constant support provided by the district administration. He said that we have seen a new energy among youth and more young players are coming forward to participate in the sport.
