*Handoo addresses various concerns
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened with the J&K Wushu team in Jammu today to commend them for their outstanding performance at the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand. The team made the Union Territory proud by clinching second place in the Men’s Sanda category, accumulating an impressive total of two gold, one silver, and four bronze medals.
The delegation was headed by Dronacharya Awardee Kuldeep Handoo, who has played a vital role in nurturing the talents of numerous elite athletes in the region. Present among the athletes were Gold medalists Surya Bhanu Partap and Mohd Kamraan, along with Silver medalist Ayeera Chisti and other team members who contributed to their success.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his respect for the team’s diligence and commitment, stating on X, “I had the pleasure of meeting the fantastic Wushu team that represented Jammu & Kashmir at the 38th National Games. Their excellent performance earned them 2nd place in the Men’s Sanda event, resulting in an impressive collection—two Gold, one Silver, and four Bronzes. Congratulations to our champions for this remarkable accomplishment.” His statement reflected the athletes’ dedication and spirit as they left their mark on this esteemed occasion.
In a conversation with the Excelsior, Kuldeep Handoo conveyed his enthusiasm about the meeting, saying, “It was a great experience to meet with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He extended his congratulations to the team for our excellent performance at the national games. During our discussion, we brought up several key issues concerning sports development in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Handoo highlighted the necessity for enhanced financial rewards for medal winners in national and international competitions, and improved career opportunities for talented athletes. He also requested the Chief Minister’s support in their endeavor to host the National Games in J&K, showcasing the region’s capacity to manage such large-scale events. “We received a favorable response from the Chief Minister regarding all the matters we discussed during the meeting,” Handoo concluded.
