KATHUA : The Kathua leg of ‘Iconic Week Festival’ took off today with the maiden ’Water Sports Festival’ at Ranjit Sagar Lake. The Iconic week Festival is being organised by the J & K Government to promote Art, Culture, Sports and Tourism in the UT.

Block Development Council Chairperson Basohli, Sushma Jamwal who was the chief guest for the inaugural day event declared the festival open.

Addressing the gathering, the BDC Chairperson appreciated the initiative of the government to promote Sports, Art, Culture through the unique concept of ‘Iconic Week Festival.’ She said it will give fillip to the wholesome Tourism and Sports profile of Jammu and Kashmir. ”The scenic beauty of Ranjeet Sagar Lake coupled with Basohli Paintings and Basohli Pashmina have huge potential to become the iconic place for fun, art and sports lovers” she added.

Secretary, Jammu Kashmir Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, in her opening address appreciated the District administration for making concerted efforts for facilitating the Water Sports Festival despite adverse weather conditions. She said Jammu Kashmir is naturally blessed with varied water fronts and the youth from the J&K could be benefitted through the Water Sports Centre established at Kathua. It will give them a platform to showcase their skills and to play for the country at National and International level.

On the occasion, contingents of Participating players and NCC cadets took part in March past followed by administering a pledge to the players to follow Sportsmanship and to say “No to Drugs and Yes to Sports”.

Earlier, the Chief Guest inspected stalls put up by Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Horticulture besides a stall of Basohli Paintings by Vishavsthali NGO which received much attraction of visitors.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Basohli, Tilak Raj Thapa also spoke on the occasion.

Divisional Sports Officer, Director Sports Council Bilquis Mir, OSD Tourism for Iconic week festival Basohli and Coaches, supporting staff with participating teams were also present.