17th All India Police Golf tournament starts

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today teed-off the 17th All India Police Golf Tournament at Royal Spring Golf Course here.
Players from 31 states and central police organisations including Assam Rifles, Prisons, CISF, NCRB, NSG and SPG will compete for the title.
The championship, sponsored by All India Police Sports Control Board, includes DGP-level participants and is being hosted by Jammu and Kashmir Police.
It is for the third time that the national event is being hosted by the state police. Earlier the tournament was held in Srinagar in 2002 and 2005.
Omar said the organisation of various national level golf tournaments in the state would showcase the beautiful golf courses here and encourage participants to visit the state throughout the year.

He said sports tourism is presently emerging as an important activity in the tourism sector to attract high-end tourists and give fillip to economy.

The chief minister said various stakeholders in the development of tourism should coordinate to organise events in sports, adventure and conventional tourism to attract more and more visitors.
Highlighting the rich potential of Jammu and Kashmir in the sport, Omar asked the concerned agencies to rope in golfers from across the country and outside to enjoy the sports in the picturesque valley and other places.
He said the golf courses in Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Jammu and the upcoming one at Leh are providing varied geographical conditions and scenic splendour for golfers to enjoy the sport besides the mesmerising surroundings overlooking the arena.