Jammu, Oct 10 : Against the backdrop of ghazal singer Ghulam Ali controversy, there will be no participation of Pakistani wrestlers in 'Mission Dosti' Dangal competition, which is an annual feature of Navratra festival starting from October 13 in Katra town of Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
"In view of ongoing estrange relations between India and Pakistan, there will be no participation in 'Mission Dosti' by the Pakistani grapplers," Shiv Kumar Sharma--president, Indian Style Wrestling Association and Joint Secretary, State Sports Council here told reporters.
Sharma said 'Mission Dosti', started in 2005 and upto 2012, witnessed a mega participation by the Pakistani wrestlers but thereafter due emerging differences between two nations, the participation stopped.
"Though Pakistani players are ready to take part in the event but no invite was extended from this side in view of prevailing situation," said the Joint secretary.
He, however, said people from across the state, who enthusiastically take part in the event as an audience and organizers, are dejected again with no participation from the neighbouring country as the field will miss 'battle of nerves.'
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Ajit Kumar Sahu said Navratra festival will boost and bring boom in the yatra this year, which showed decline in the past two year. |
