Four nations to fight in ‘Mission Dosti’ wrestling meet at Katra on Oct 9: Sharma

JAMMU, Oct 6: In view of prevailing tension between two nations, Pakistan will not be taking part yet again for the fourth consecutive year but India, England among four nations will be taking part in “Mission Dosti” Wrestling Championship on October 9 during Navratra festival at Katra in Reasi district. This was stated by Shiv Kumar Sharma, President, Jammu and Kashmir Indian Style

Wrestling Association during a press conference here today. “The wrestling competition started years back in 2005 was initiated with India, Pakistan as main highlights to cement relations via sports but unfortunately the Pakistani grapplers, who last time participated in 2012, are not again taking part this year too”, he said, adding that this year four teams including the new entrant Georgia will also contest in the championship.

He stated that wrestlers from India, England and Ukraine will also fight for the honours, said the wrestling promoter, adding that over 50 wrestlers comprising the women team will take part in the championship scheduled on October 9 at Shrine Board’s Sports Stadium at Katra in the heart of the town.

Sharma said that first time a women official from Punjab will also officiate the international event.

Priya Sethi Minister of State for Tourism, Culture, and Education will be the chief guest on the occasion, Sharma said, adding that Levan Berip Berianpze and Giorgi Sakandelpze from Georgia, Leon Gregory Rattigan from England under the guidance of Coach Jatinder Singh Rakhara and Makhailo Datsenko from Ukraine have confirmed their participation. A part from these Wrestlers, the top Indian wrestlers from Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Services, Railways and the host State of J&K will be in action. The wrestlers from J&K who will also demonstrate their skills and actions include Benia Min, Ishaq Ahmed, Bobri, Farooq, Nissar, Ajay, Babba, Sadiq, Bharat Bushan, Fiza, and Amir Khan.

In men’s category, highest cash reward will be Rs 1.25 lakh and added the women grapplers will also be suitably rewarded.

Besides cash prize, a ‘gurj’ and a traditional ‘patta’ (shawl) will be presented to the winning players.

“Mission Dosti” dangal is one of the major attractions of nine-day long Katra festival and apart from wrestling lovers, people from various parts of the state, throng in thousands to witness the grapplers fighting for their nation’s pride.

He stated that Rustam-e-International Dangal (Mission Dosti) will be organized under aegis of Navratra Festival Committee and collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, J&K Tourism Department, J&K Bank, J&K Police, NHPC, LIC, SBI, J&K State Sports Council and HDFC Bank.