Srinagar, Aug 9: The Swim N Survival Society–Kashmir (SNSS-K) on Sunday concluded the RAK Therm 8th Underwater Sports Championship at the Water Sports Centre, Nigeen, with more than 250 swimmers participating across various age categories.

The participants, aged between 5 and 63 years, competed in 15 events. Twelve events were held for boys and senior men, while three events were conducted for girls, providing swimmers of different age groups and experience levels an opportunity to compete in a structured environment and gain exposure to underwater sports.
The valedictory function was attended by Mehmood Ahmad Shah, Managing Director, KPDCL, and Shahfaat Yahya, Joint Director, ERA, as chief guests. Imran Yousuf Wani, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, RAK Therm, was also present.
Addressing the gathering, Mehmood Ahmad Shah particularly appreciated the participation of girls in the championship, saying their presence in a water-based sporting event was encouraging and highlighted the importance of creating greater opportunities for girls to learn and participate in swimming.
Recalling the experience of the 2014 floods, Shah stressed the importance of equipping people, particularly non-swimmers, with basic swimming and water-safety skills. He said swimming should not be viewed merely as a competitive sport but also as a vital life-saving skill, especially in Kashmir, where communities regularly interact with rivers, lakes and other water bodies.
He appreciated SNSS-K for providing training opportunities to children and beginners and said such initiatives could strengthen water awareness, confidence and safety among the younger generation. He also encouraged the organisers to continue providing safe and inclusive platforms for both girls and boys to learn and develop their swimming skills.
Shahfaat Yahya emphasised the importance of promoting sports at the grassroots level, saying competitions such as the championship help young participants develop discipline, confidence and competitive experience.
Imran Yousuf Wani congratulated the participants and appreciated the coaching team for its efforts. He particularly highlighted the dedication of coaches who conduct regular early-morning training sessions, describing their commitment as crucial to improving the skills and performance of swimmers.
The function was attended by JKMAC Secretary Sayed Tahir, SNSS-K President Haji Shakeel Ahmad Shah, Vice President Dr Sheikh Tariq, Secretary Yasir Yousuf Makhdoomi and swimming coach Riyaz Wani. SNSS-K experts Zahid Iqbal and Mudasir Jeelani were also present.
The coaching team was appreciated for its sustained efforts in training swimmers, with regular sessions focusing on technique, endurance and water confidence. Organisers said the consistent efforts of coaches and volunteers have encouraged more children and young people to take up swimming.
Haji Shakeel Ahmad Shah, President of SNSS-K, congratulated the winners and runners-up and appreciated all participants for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship. He also thanked the organising team, coaches and volunteers for their efforts in successfully conducting the championship.
The organisers expressed gratitude to the SDRF team, Underwater Sports Association of J&K, event officials, sponsors and volunteers for their support.
The championship forms part of SNSS-K's continuing efforts to promote swimming and water safety across Jammu and Kashmir. The Society has previously organised the 100 Days Swimming Camp, World Drowning Prevention Day programmes, Manasbal Festival and several other swimming and water-safety awareness initiatives.
SNSS-K said it would continue promoting swimming as both a competitive sport and an essential life-saving skill while creating more opportunities, particularly for children and beginners, to learn swimming in a safe and structured environment.