Government Pledges to Enhance Sports Infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir
Ganderbal, November 10, 2024 - At the concluding ceremony of the Talent Hunt U19 Cricket Tournament in Safapora, Ganderbal, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, reiterated the government's commitment to fostering world-class sports facilities across Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The tournament, which began in June and concluded on Sunday, saw participation from 16 teams, highlighting the region's burgeoning sports culture. Addressing the event, Minister Sharma emphasized the importance of sports in youth development, stating, "Sports are vital in channeling youth potential, deterring them from social ills, and promoting discipline and teamwork."
Minister Sharma announced that the government plans to expand sports activities throughout the region, with upcoming events like marathons in various constituencies following the success of similar events in Srinagar.
During the ceremony, Sharma engaged with the young athletes, distributing trophies, certificates, sports kits, and cash prizes to commend their dedication and sportsmanship. The event also saw the felicitation of the local Under-15 cricket team with new sports gear.
In a significant move towards promoting water sports, Sharma visited Manasbal Lake, Asia’s deepest freshwater lake, where he discussed the potential for developing it into a premier water sports destination. He mentioned that Chief Minister Abdullah has directed a feasibility study for initiating water sports activities at the lake, which could provide substantial employment opportunities and national exposure for local talents.
Additionally, Sharma inspected the site for a proposed multipurpose sports ground at Kohistan Colony, Safapora. He directed the revenue authorities to expedite necessary formalities and assured the development of state-of-the-art sports facilities. He emphasized the importance of enhancing road accessibility to the site to improve connectivity.
This initiative is part of a broader vision to empower the youth through sports, creating opportunities for growth and excellence in various athletic disciplines. The Minister was accompanied by senior officials from the sports and revenue departments during his visit, underscoring the collaborative effort to elevate the sports infrastructure in the region.