Asian Martial Arts Games may not be held in J&K, international teams apprehensive about security
Srinagar, Feb 8 (IBNS): What is seen as a blow to the sports sector in the valley, the Asian Martial Arts Games which were to be held in October this year, in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has been cancelled for security reasons, according to reports.
However, concerned officials in Srinagar seemed unaware about any such development.
Speaking to India Blooms, a spokesperson of Jammu and Kashmir KiAiDo Association said, “The National Martial Arts Committee (NMAC) India informed us that the World Martial Arts Games Committee (WMGC) has raised security apprehensions about the venue being in resistive valley."
The organisers were informed that some Asian countries, besides game observers, mostly from Germany, UK and the US, have refused to travel to J&K following travel advisories issued by their respective governments.
The Jammu and Kashmir government, state sports Minister Imran Raza Ansari, and State Sports Council Secretary, Waheed ur Rehman Parra had promised to cooperate with the facilitation of the event, reports said.
State KiAiDo Association announced last month that summer capital Srinagar will host international martial arts for the first time late this year.
According to the Association, teams from 12 countries were scheduled to participate in these games.
Organizers of the tournament had earlier said that this tournament will be held on October 3 to October 7, 2018 at Sheri Kashmir Indoor Stadium in Srinagar.
Meanwhile, State Sports Council Secretary, Waheed ur Rehman Parra seemed unaware about any such development. “I read reports on newspapers that the event has been cancelled, I don’t know why they cancelled and whom they have consulted with this regard,” Parra told India Blooms.
"If they want to hold the games here state, the government will provide all ensure proper security arrangements for the teams and their managements," Parra added.
(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
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