Cyclothon, Rowing, kayaking, Canoeing among the final day events attract huge turnout of visitors
KATHUA, OCTOBER 26: The Grandeur of ‘Iconic Week Festival’ scaled up as the Bollywood Singing sensation Nupur Pant performed on the final day of the ‘Iconic Week Festival’ giving the audience an enthralling experience in Jam packed Tourism Reception Centre, Basohli.
The Kathua leg of ‘Iconic Week Celebrations’ has witnessed an array of activities including Rowing, Kayaking, Canoeing under Water Sports category on the waterfront of Ranjit Sagar Lake, besides final day matches of Volleyball and Kabaddi at Purthu Valley.
The day started with the Flagging off a Cyclothon from Iconic Atal Setu bridge; the only cable stay bridge of North India, which passed through Basohli town and culminated at Purthu Valley also known as Mini Goa. The young Boys and Girls riders took part in the Cyclothon held in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
The Chief Guest, Mahan Singh (DDC, Chairperson Kathua ) in his address said Basohli has seen 1046 years of glorious past under the reign of Paul dynasty where Basohli was a hub of economic and social activities and named Vishwasthali. He said with the coming up Water Sports Academy in Ranjit Sagar Lake, Basohli will once again attain new heights this time on the tourist landscape of the world. He appreciated JK Sports Council, Divisional and District Administration for their concerted efforts to bring Water Sports to Basohli. He said such events will not only provide local youth a chance to pursue Water sports but also increase footfall of tourists in Basohli to have a close glimpse of world renowned Basohli paintings and Pashmina work.
While speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Rahul Yadav said that maiden Water Sports Festival under the aegis of ‘Iconic Week Celebrations’ will benefit local young players to encash this opportunity. He said efforts will be made to make Water Sports a regular calendar activity in Basohli. He also appreciated players who took part in this maiden mega event.
Secretary, JK Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull said the Water Sports Academy set up at Basohli will soon emerge as a popular and dream destination for Water Sports lovers. She said the local youth can avail the best opportunity to train themselves and compete in National and International events.
Later, the chief guest gave away prizes to winners and participants of different sports competitions.
The Duggar Folk artists including local talent of Basohli got cheers from the audience numerous times.
Later in the evening, massive Fireworks amid the beautifully illuminated and decked up TRC building and Famous Atal Setu bridge marked the grand culmination of the event.