In Jammu and Kashmir, the 6th National Rafting Championship, titled “The Ultimate River Battle,” which lasted four days, concluded today with a grand closing ceremony at Shibnote (Premnagar) in the Doda district. Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that organized by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with the Doda District Administration, the championship attracted participants and adventure enthusiasts from across Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the country. Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, DDC Chairperson Doda Dhananter Singh Kotwal, Municipal Commissioner Jammu Dr. Devansh Yadav, Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta, SSP Doda Sandeep Kumar, and other senior officers attended the ceremony. Earlier, the dignitaries undertook a 15-km rafting expedition from Shibnote to Karara, highlighting the Chenab River's potential for adventure. Addressing the gathering, the Div Com praised the successful event and reiterated the government's commitment to promoting tourism in the Chenab Valley. He appreciated the role of security forces and organizing teams in ensuring the smooth conduct of the championship. The championship saw the BSF men's and women's teams winning top honors, with other winners being awarded mementos and cash prizes. Three women teams participated in the championship, reflecting the growing inclusivity and increasing presence of women in competitive rafting at the national level. A cultural program in Bhaderwah added vibrancy to the event. The Director of Tourism announced that the Shibnote Rafting Championship and other adventure festivals would be included in the official tourism calendar, boosting regional tourism and youth participation. Officials emphasized infrastructure development, promotion of local culture, and new tourism initiatives in Doda and Bhaderwah. The championship began with the Marathon category, covering the stretch from Shibnote to Karara, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from 13 rafting teams representing different parts of the country. The event attracted significant attention from adventure sports enthusiasts and local spectators alike, underscoring the vast potential of the Chenab River stretch for hosting national-level rafting competitions.
