Authorities sponsor Srinagar teen to participate in global skating championship

Authorities in Srinagar on Tuesday sponsored a 16-year-old boy to participate in an international short-track speed skating championship.

Basharat Mir, a resident of Parimpora locality of the city, has been provided an amount of Rs 3 lakh to enable him to participate in the competition that will be held from September 5-22 in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, an official spokesperson said.

The sponsorship covers all expenses, including cost of equipment he needs to acquire, and travel, boarding and lodging expenses, the spokesperson said.

Mir had approached Additional Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, following which the issue was taken up with the deputy commissioner, the spokesperson said.

Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, who authorised the sponsorship, said he hoped this little help from the district administration would prove big for the career of the young sportsperson. He wished Mir the best in the skating championship and all his future endeavours.