Bihar clinches first inter-state Golf trophy

Srinagar, June 3 (UNI) Bihar lifted the first inter-state Golf championship pushing hosts Jammu and Kashmir to the runners up position here today.

Amid cloudy weather conditions and morning fog, the day-long tournament was played at the Royal Springs Golf Course on the foothills of Zabarwan hills and banks of famed Dal Lake.

While Patna Golf Club represented Bihar team, Jammu and Kashmir comprised players drawn from administration, judiciary and Army.

The championship, sponsored by Jamkash Vehicleades, was teed off by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha along with Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Speaking at the end of the championship, Gen Sinha said this was the first of the series and other states would also be invited for taking part in the tournament in future.

This would not only foster camaraderie, but also promote Kashmir as the favourite destination for world golfers.

''I feel elated to join Mr Azad in representing Jammu and Kashmir against my home state,'' the Goverbor said in a lighter vein.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Azad said Kashmir was a global tourist destination with scenic beauty and excellent climate. The valley has emerged as a favourite destination for adventure, pilgrim, leisure and conventional tourism, he added.

The Chief Minister also expressed satisfaction that the locals have been evincing keen interest in Golf, which was perceived to be a game of elite some time ago. ''Golf is really catching up with our new generation,'' he added.

Mr Azad said the 18-hole Golf course at Royal Springs would be further developed on international standard as it holds a promise and future for sports tourism.

Tourism Minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir dwelt on measures being taken for upgrading tourism infrastructure across the state. Two major golf courses at Gulmarg and Pahalgam were being developed at a cost of Rs 5 crore each, he added.

The Minister said the second phase of Pahalgam golf course will cost another Rs 5 crore.

Mr Mir said focused attention was being paid on promotion of tourism with a special emphasis on golfing circuit. Sidhra golf course in Jammu would be yet another prime attraction for sports lovers, he added.

Gen Sinha later gave away the winners cup to Patna Golf Club team while Mr Azad presented trophies to golfers in various individual categories. The winners included Premini Sinha, wife of the Governor, and Rachita for putting.

Similarly, trophies were given to Akash Chaubey for longest drive, Dr Arun Kumar for closest to straight line and Sarmad Hafiz for closest to pin.

Mr Azad also presented trophies to Shabir Ahmad Bhat as grass winner, Capt B P Sinha for grass runner up, Ghulam Rasool Guru for runner up in net and A G Malik for being winner in net categories.

The golfers from Bihar were fascinated by the Royal Springs Golf course. ''It is mesmerising, a dreamland and a wonder course for any golfer to feel elated and enjoy the great moment,'' said a golfer from Bihar.

UNI