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Good response to water sports in Himachal
by Nagendra Ranta

       Govind Sagar (Himachal Pradesh): With the increasing popularity of water sports, more and more individuals from various parts of the country are taking interest in it. There are many people who are eager to try it as a serious sport but others seem fascinated for fun. Large numbers of water sports enthusiasts from different parts of the country recently arrived in Himachal Pradesh to compete in Aquatics in the sixth National Water Sports Championship. Held at the Govind Sagar Lake, a reservoir of the Bhakra Nangal Dam, one of the highest gravity dams in the world, the championship (Nov.5 to 9) evoked a good response from residents and sports enthusiasts. Nearly 165 men and women showcased their stamina and manoeuvring skills during the championship, which included events like swimming, Kayaking, country rowing, channel crossing and water skiing. "In Himachal Pradesh, this is the sixth time that we have organised such a competition. Before this, we have had five very successful events. Twenty two teams having 165 men and women will be a part of this competition," said R.R. Thakur, a senior instructor of mountaineering and allied sports. Despite offering thrill and excitement, aquatics still has a long way to go in the country. Many expressed their hope that such events would help create awareness and interest among the youth. "This is very challenging for women, more for us as we are from Rajasthan as our state has a shortage of water," said Nidhi Sharma, another participant. Participants enjoyed the thrill of participating in a waters sports championship and enjoyed the challenge. "This is a good event for participation and offers good exposure to water sports.

       For the young generation, especially, it is a very good opportunity to move forward," said Uma Shankar, a participant. Gobind sagar is located in Bilaspur District, which is 83 kilometres away from Anandpur Sahib in Himachal pradesh. One of India's largest and world's highest gravity Dams, Bhakra-Nangal Dam is built on the bank of Gobind Sagar. Built in the year 1976, the Gobind Sagar feeds electricity and water to several states of North India. Spread over an area of 170 sq km, the Gobind Sagar houses variety of birds. The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation organize a variety of water sports activities, during the month of October and November. Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh are the only two States that offer water sports in the country. Organisers hoped such events would also help boost tourism in the State. Tourism is the mainstay of the economy of Himachal Pradesh and it generates about 100 million US dollars annually. Located in the Himalaya region, Himachal Pradesh has been a major tourist attraction for tourists from across the country and world. It's cool weather; undulating hills and breath-taking valleys have always drawn a large number of people to this place.
-Nov 9,  2006

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