The event marks the return of a major professional golf tournament to Kashmir after a significant gap and underscores the Government’s renewed focus on positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a premier destination for golf tourism. After ceremonially teeing off the tournament, the Chief Minister said that golf tourism forms an important component of the Government’s broader strategy to promote tourism in Jammu & Kashmir. The Chief Minister said that Jammu & Kashmir is already witnessing encouraging signs of golf tourism, with visitors travelling to Srinagar specifically for weekend golfing experiences. He noted that the championship has attracted more than 100 professional golfers, including over 10 international participants, reflecting the growing appeal of Jammu & Kashmir as a sporting destination. Referring to the recent sporting achievements of athletes from Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah said the region’s youth possess immense talent across several sport disciplines.