Greater Kashmir hosts Golf tourney for caddies

Srinagar, Jun 10 (UNI) In the first of its kind sporting event, Greater Kashmir Group of Newspapers hosted a golf tournament for caddies here today.

Abdul Rashid Gujri emerged the winner while Ghulam Muhammad Pandaw was declared the runner-up in the tournament played at the Kashmir Golf Club (KGC) here.

It was a special day for caddies as for the first time an exclusive golf tournament had been organised for them.

Greater Kashmir Group of Newspapers had organised and sponsored tournament was to financially help caddies and boost their morale.

The tournament was teed-off by KGC Honorary Secretary Ashraf Bakshi and 45 caddies participated in it.

Tourism Secretary Nayeem Akhtar, who was chief guest, distributed prizes and mementos among the players.

The winner received a cash prize of Rs 15,000 and a trophy while the first runner-up got Rs 10,000 in cash. The second runner-up was given Rs 5000 while the players from fourth to tenth positions got Rs 2000 each.

From 11th to 20th positions, the players received Rs 1500 each while from 21st to 30th a cash prize of Rs 750 each was given to the players. From 31st to 45th positions, each participant got Rs 500.

Speaking on the occasion, Akhtar said without the help and assistance of caddies, golf would be incomplete. ''Today it was the caddies day and I appreciate Greater Kashmir for organising such events,'' he added.

The Tourism Secretary expressed the hope that other business houses in the state would also organise such events in future.

Greater Kashmir Group of Newspapers has organised a number of golf events in the past to boost tourism industry in the Valley. It is also organising several such tournaments in the future as well.

The fourth Greater Kashmir Invitational Golf Tournament between the Chief Minister's team and Greater Kashmir would be held at the Royal Springs Golf Course here on June 17. About 80 golfers were expected to participate in the event.

Greater Kashmir has also announced to organise and sponsor football and cricket tournaments soon.

UNI