News & City05 Nov 20262

150 Paddlers, One Selection Path: How J&K's 12th UT Canoe Sprint Championship Picks the Team for Nationals

More than 150 athletes from across J&K competed at Pokhribal in Srinagar. Selected paddlers go to a training camp ahead of the National Championships.

JammuBeat Team

150 Paddlers, One Selection Path: How J&K's 12th UT Canoe Sprint Championship Picks the Team for NationalsImage Source: Greater Kashmir

The 12th UT Canoe Sprint, Kayaking and Canoeing Championship ended on November 2 at the Pokhribal Water Sports Centre in Srinagar, with more than 150 athletes from districts across Jammu and Kashmir taking part. It was organised by the J&K Water Sports Kayaking & Canoeing Association.

Why it matters beyond the podium

The championship doubled as a selection platform. Athletes picked on performance will represent J&K at the upcoming National Championships and attend a specialised coaching and training camp led by experienced coaches, aimed at technical skills, fitness and readiness for national competition.

The medal ceremony was attended by Dr Rafiq, the association's vice president, and international water sports athlete Bilquis Mir. The association said grassroots development, youth participation and scientific training with structured coaching are essential to building a talent pool, and it wants Pokhribal to become a leading kayaking and canoeing hub.

Not yet reported

The report does not name the medal winners or the selected athletes, does not say how many were selected, and gives no dates or location for the camp or the Nationals. This was a Srinagar event; it is included for young athletes in Jammu who want to know how a niche water sport picks its national squad.

Source: Greater Kashmir, 12th UT Kayaking Canoeing Championship concludes in Srinagar (November 3, 2026).

More from JammuBeat

Comments