The first-ever Underwater Kids Sports Meet was successfully held at M2 Swimming Pool, Tankipora, organized by the Underwater Sports Association in collaboration with the Swim N Survival Society – Kashmir (SNSS-K).
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 30 sub-junior swimmers, marking a pioneering effort to promote underwater sports among children in the region.
Shafaat Yehya, Joint Director Budgets, was the Chief Guest on the occasion and distributed prizes among the winners. Also present were Shakeel Ahmad Shah, President SNSS-K; Dr. Sheikh Tariq, Vice President; and founding members Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Yasir Makhdoomi, and Zahid Iqbal, all of whom have played a key role in nurturing aquatic sports in the valley.
The event was supported by Pacific Tyres and M2 Swimming Pool.
In the competition, Zainab Binti Riyaz, Sanaya Saleem, Zeeshan, and Zain Ibni Iqbal were declared winners in various events, while Adam Zahoor was awarded the title of Best Swimmer of the Meet.
Speaking on the occasion, Shafat Yehya praised SNSS-K for its ongoing efforts to develop youth talent and promote sports at the grassroots level.
Yasir Makhdoomi, Secretary and founding member of SNSS-K, reaffirmed the society’s dedication to creating the right platforms for young swimmers.
“This event is just the beginning. We are planning larger-scale meets where swimmers will be challenged to cover longer distances, better preparing them for future competitions,” said Riyaz Ahmad Wani, noted swimming expert and founding member of SNSS-K.
This groundbreaking event marked a significant milestone in introducing structured underwater sports for children in Kashmir and underscored the region’s growing interest and potential in aquatic disciplines.