### Government Committed to Enhancing Sports Infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir
Ganderbal, November 10 - Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, reiterated the government's dedication to fostering world-class sports facilities in Jammu and Kashmir during his visit to Ganderbal on Sunday. This commitment comes under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, aiming to nurture sports talent and provide youth with constructive avenues.
Minister Sharma's comments were made following the concluding match of the Talent Hunt U19 Cricket Tournament at Safapora, which was organized by Friends Humanitarian Trust. The event, which started in June and concluded in November 2024, featured 16 teams and was marked by enthusiastic participation.
Addressing the audience, Sharma emphasized the importance of sports in youth development, urging them to engage actively in sports alongside their academic endeavors. "Sports are instrumental in channelizing the potential of our youth, steering them away from social ills, and fostering discipline and teamwork," he stated.
The Minister also announced plans for a series of sports events across the region, highlighting the upcoming marathons in various constituencies following the recent success in Srinagar. During the event, Sharma interacted with the players, distributing trophies, certificates, sports kits, and cash prizes, acknowledging their dedication and sportsmanship.
In addition to the cricket event, Sharma visited Manasbal Lake, recognized as Asia’s deepest freshwater lake, to explore its potential as a premier water sports destination. He mentioned that Chief Minister Abdullah has ordered a feasibility study for water sports activities there, which could significantly boost local employment and provide national and international exposure for local talents.
Furthermore, Sharma inspected a site in Kohistan Colony, Safapora, earmarked for a new multipurpose sports ground. He directed revenue authorities to hasten the necessary formalities and emphasized the need for enhanced road accessibility to the site to facilitate better connectivity.
The Minister's visit underscores a broader initiative by the government to empower youth through sports, aiming to develop state-of-the-art facilities that cater to various athletic pursuits. Accompanying Sharma were key officials including the Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) of Ganderbal, the Divisional Sports Officer, and other senior figures from both the sports and revenue departments.
This initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to youth development, promising a brighter future for sports in Jammu and Kashmir.