Early Times Report
AKHNOOR, Mar 31: A grand annual wrestling tournament was organized in Sumah, Akhnoor, to mark the occasion of the Hindu New Year. The event was conducted under the aegis of the Pir Baba Dangal Committee, with key contributions from committee members, including Harish (President), Sanjay Sharma (Vice President), Tilak Raj (Chairman), Vinod (Treasurer), Rakesh, Keval, Shubham, Abhay, Rinku, Yograj, Ravi, Bittu, former Sarpanch Rampal, Ganesh Sharma, and former Sarpanch Manisha Sharma.
The chief guest for the event was Akhnoor MLA Mohan Lal Bhagat. He was accompanied by SP Rural Brijesh Sharma, Jammu Narwal Sabzi Mandi President Surinder Singh Kala, Yuva Rajput Sabha President Vikram Singh, former President Rajan Singh Happy, Station House Officer (SHO) Rohit Gandhi, Baral Sabha President Mangal Baral, and District Gurdwara Management Committee Joint Secretary Ranveer Singh.
This prestigious tournament saw participation from renowned wrestlers from India and abroad. The main wrestling bout was between Ahmad Mirza from Iran and Shubham from Nashik, Maharashtra, where Ahmad Mirza emerged victorious, winning a cash prize of Rs 2,51,000. The second major bout, worth Rs 1,51,000, was contested between Suhas Godke from Pune, Maharashtra, and Biniya from Jammu, with Suhas Godke securing victory. The third biggest match featured Chhota Saddam and Manish from Maharashtra, in which Chhota Saddam defeated Manish. In total, more than 50 wrestling matches were conducted during the event.
Chief guest Mohan Lal Bhagat congratulated the organizers and emphasized the importance of promoting traditional sports like wrestling to preserve cultural heritage. He stated that wrestling is an integral part of Indian culture and plays a crucial role in the physical and mental development of youth. Encouraging young athletes, he urged them to engage in sports for a healthier and brighter future.
The MLA assured that every possible support would be provided for the promotion of sports and athletes. He reiterated his commitment to developing better sports facilities in the Akhnoor region and stated that the government is actively working to provide enhanced training and resources to athletes at the grassroots level.
The tournament witnessed an overwhelming crowd of thousands of spectators, who enthusiastically cheered for the wrestlers. The event was a resounding success, further boosting wrestling enthusiasm in the region and contributing significantly to the promotion of sports. |
