Continuing the trend of giving boost to the sports infrastructure in J&K, Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today inaugurated the modern Gymnasium and Weightlifting Hall at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar here. On the occasion the Secretary, Youth Services & Sports; Secretary, Sports Council besides other officers, coaches and officials of the department were also present.
While interacting with the former International Football players and other trainees of different sports academies, the Chief Secretary sought feedback from them on how their games can be improved in J&K. The players requested the Chief Secretary to use his good offices for conducting of different national level tournaments like SAFF games which will give necessary exposure to the youngsters besides giving them opportunity to hone their sports skills by watching their national icons.
Chief Secretary remarked that the government has created world-class infrastructure in J&K during the past few years and that sport is a priority of the government and adequate resources have been earmarked for its upliftment in the UT.
He enjoined upon the players to optimally utilize the facilities and assured them that the Administration shall extend all facilities to them so that they chase their dreams of making big name in the sports of their choice. In response to the demand for residential facilities for Football, Dr. Mehta said that the LG administration is going to provide every sort of infrastructure and facility to sports lovers so that they can grow and excel in sports. He also observed that youth can now enjoy sports activities till late hours as stadia in almost all districts are provided with flood lights besides upgradation of other facilities.
Stating that the culture of sports activities is taking root in J&K, he said that every person young or old is encouraged to take up sports to channelize their energies towards better and healthy activities. He made out that J&K is targeting to involve over 75 lakh people into different sporting activities in J&K and for that the necessary sporting facilities have been provided right down to the Panchayat level.
Earlier, the kids from the Taekwondo School of Sports Council gave a demonstration of the skills they have learned thus far which left the audience spellbound and praising their performance and skills demonstrated on the occasion.
