For the first time in Kashmir’s sports history, Kashmir Grand Prix will be held on October 10 and 11 at Gindun Park in Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar.
This meet comes hot on the heels of a charity run organised by Wath Haawuk NGO, earlier this month.
Muzamil Hussain Mir, Snowshoe Bronze Medalist, heading Wath Haawuk’s sports wing said, “It is my dream to lift athletics to the heights it deserves in Kashmir.”
“This Grand Prix, will serve as a presentation to the youth of Kashmir about the significance of athletics and the thriving scope it holds. Unfortunately, athletics has lagged far behind in recent years, but that is about to change with the Kashmir Grand Prix, which is a precursor of things to come and the vision we hold for the sport will endear to every sport enthusiast in Kashmir,” he added.
The Grand Prix will have events for both male and female participants. Men’s events will include 100m, 400m, 1500m and 10000m races, while the female contingent will compete in 100m, 200m, 800m and 5000m races.
Medals will be awarded to those who finish in the top three of their respective events.
Hilal Ahmed founder of Wath Hawwuk, is hopeful that the event will lead to a boom of athletic culture in the valley.
“This has been an idea long in the works for us. We have set our aim at promoting athletics and athletes who desire to compete at a higher level. Going forward we will see more such events and prepare the athletes to compete at a much higher level,” he said.
Joining this athletic meet will be NIS qualified coach Tahir Mir, who is the only athletic coach in Kashmir.
Without Tahir Mir, Hilal Ahmed said, “we couldn’t even think of setting up this event, his expertise and coaching will be a big benefit in this grand prix and also going forward. On the day of the event he will be the one leading the charges and overlooking the athletes for which Wath Haawuk is immensely thankful”.
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