The J&K Wakeboard and Water Ski team achieved historic success at the Junior/Senior Wakeboarding and Water Ski National Championship held at Rukhri Lake, Jay Clarks Exotica, Himachal Pradesh, from June 8th to 10th, 2024. This marked the first participation of J&K players in the national championship, and they secured medals in both the junior and senior categories.
In the junior category, Zara Tawheed clinched a bronze medal, while in the senior category, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat and Showkat Rasool each earned bronze medals in wakeboarding and water skiing, respectively. The impressive performance of the J&K team has qualified these athletes to represent India in the upcoming Asian Championship in Malaysia.
Additionally, two junior players, Bhat Afreen in wakeboarding and Faizan Fayaz in water skiing, were recognized as promising talents and received awards as upcoming players.
The team underwent rigorous training under the guidance of veteran coach Dinesh Kapoor at Rukhri Lake prior to the championship, contributing significantly to their success.
The J&K Wakeboard and Waterski Association expressed gratitude to the Managing Director of Sastatrips for sponsoring the team and to Dinesh Kapoor for his dedicated coaching. They have also appealed to the Secretary of the J&K Sports Council for formal recognition of their unit, emphasizing their active presence in 17 districts and plans to expand participation.
In a forward-looking move, the association announced plans to install a Cable Ski Project in J&K, in collaboration with the Wakeboard and Water Ski Federation of India, aiming to further develop the sport in the region.
The achievements at the national championship not only highlight the potential of J&K athletes but also pave the way for greater participation and success in future water sports events.
