Aaqib Khan
Srinagar, Nov 11 (KNS): Director Tourism Kashmir Qamar Sajjad on Wednesday expressed concern over the declining popularity of golf among locals and said the department is taking steps to revive the sport through tournaments and training programmes across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering during a golf event at Gulmarg Golf Course, Director Sajjad, as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), said golf had largely remained confined to a small section of society despite Kashmir having several established golf facilities.
"Golf is a game that we have left behind. It is gradually dying among the people of the Valley. Except for a few people, nobody knows about golf," he said.
He said the Tourism Department had initiated golf tournaments across the region to familiarise people, particularly children, with the sport and showcase Kashmir's golfing infrastructure.
The Director referred to the Kashmir Golf Course in Srinagar, Royal Springs Golf Course, Pahalgam Golf Course and Gulmarg Golf Course, saying these facilities had the potential to promote golf tourism and attract wider participation.
Director Tourism Qamar Sajjad said the department had also procured golf kits and planned training programmes to introduce children to the sport and prepare them for future competitions.
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The department had started a caddie tournament this year and planned to organise a fully sponsored tournament next year, with cash prizes, he said.
"Caddies are the backbone of golf," Sajjad said, emphasising the need to recognise their contribution to the sport.
He also stressed the need for proper maintenance of tourism infrastructure, saying several assets had been created over the years but had not received adequate attention in terms of upkeep.
On environmental concerns, the Director called for discouraging the use of polythene bags and suggested introducing charges for alternative carry bags to encourage responsible practices.
He said Kashmir's hospitality and the personal attention extended by hoteliers and other tourism stakeholders to visitors remained among the sector's major strengths.
Sajjad also called for reviving golf tournaments previously organised by the Gulmarg Development Authority and asked officials to prepare a list of such events. (KNS)
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