JAMMU, Mar  21: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today said it is imperative to initiate reforms in sports administration to improve performance in international sporting events.

Speaking during inaugural session of the National Classic Power-lifting championship at MA Stadium, the Minister said that India has a huge young population and is rich in human resources; however its performance in international sporting events is to be enhanced and accelerated.

Lauding the role of sports bodies, the Minister, urged them to work in a professional manner to change the overall situation across the state and country. He said the Sports administrators should design strategies to identify sporting talent in rural areas at an early age and groom them.

He informed the gathering that the Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is keen to develop sports infrastructure in the State so that the State’s talented youth can excel at various levels. “Sports infrastructure and training facilities across the State are being upgraded to meet national and international standards”, the Minister said.

He congratulated the participating sports persons and urged them to explore the State and be its ambassadors.  “Students should take part in sports and cultural activities to boost their talent,” he said. “Participation in sports will help you to remain healthy and fit,” he added.

          “Role of youth in the nation's over-all development is very vital,” he said. “Government is working in the right direction to achieve goals and reach out to the youth positive message,” he added.