Pahalgam: The three-day Rouf Memorial State Rafting Championship began here Monday in which 12 teams from all the three regions of the State are participating.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Khalid Jahangir flagged-off the championship in presence of Director Tourism Kashmir Nisar Ahmad Wani and Ghulam Rasool Dar whose son and tourist guide Rouf Ahmad Dar lost his life while saving tourists from drowning at Yenner Pahalgam recently.
To pay tributes to the brave heart for his selfless services, the Department of Tourism Kashmir in collaboration with White Water Rafting Association of J&K organized the championship on his name.
Speaking on the occasion, DDC Anantnag said Pahalgam is one of the prime tourist destinations having huge potential in both leisure and adventure tourism.
He urged the travellers to visit the place and enjoy the unmatched beauty.
Jehangir also paid tributes to Rouf Ahmad Dar for saving lives of a tourist couple when they were having a joy ride in the raft at river Lidder.
Director Tourism Kashmir said the Department is making all-out efforts to promote both known and lesser-known destinations.
He said the championship was organised to promote tourism in the State besides engage locals as well as tourists in adventure tourism activities.
The championship, which has representations from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions, also features teams from Sports Council, J&K Police, SDRF. Three women teams are also participating in the championship.
Deputy Director Publicity Riyaz Ahmad, Deputy Director Recreation Sarfaraz Mohammad were also present on the occasion.
