Government Commits to World-Class Sports Facilities in Jammu and Kashmir
Ganderbal, November 10, 2024 - Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, emphasized the government's dedication to enhancing sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir during his visit to Ganderbal on Sunday. The announcement came after the concluding match of the Talent Hunt U19 Cricket Tournament at Safapora, which saw participation from 16 enthusiastic teams over a five-month period from June to November.
Addressing the crowd, Minister Sharma stressed the importance of sports in youth development, saying, "Sports are vital for channeling youth potential, deterring social evils, and promoting discipline and teamwork." He encouraged the young attendees to engage in sports alongside their academic endeavors.
The event, organized by Friends Humanitarian Trust, Safapora, not only showcased local cricket talent but also highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to promote sports. Minister Sharma announced upcoming sports events, including marathons across various constituencies, following the recent success in Srinagar.
In a gesture of appreciation, Sharma distributed trophies, participation certificates, sports kits, and cash prizes to the participants. He also took the opportunity to interact with the players, encouraging them in their future sporting endeavors.
Furthering his tour, Sharma visited Manasbal Lake, where he outlined plans to develop it as a premier destination for water sports. "This initiative will not only create employment opportunities but also provide a platform for local talents to shine on national and international stages," he remarked. He noted that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed a feasibility study to assess the lake's potential for hosting such activities.
Additionally, Sharma inspected the site for a proposed multipurpose sports ground at Kohistan Colony, Safapora. He instructed revenue authorities to hasten the necessary formalities and assured comprehensive support for creating state-of-the-art sports facilities. He also emphasized the need for improved road accessibility to the proposed site to boost connectivity.
This visit underscores the government's commitment to empowering youth through sports, aligning with its broader vision of fostering growth and excellence in athletic fields across Jammu and Kashmir.
Accompanying the Minister were senior officials from the sports and revenue departments, including ACR Ganderbal, Divisional Sports Officer, DYSSO, and Tehsildar Lar.