JAMMU, Dec 6:-The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today said the government has undertaken a comprehensive campaign to give a fillip to the sports culture in the State by augmenting the existing infra and organizing tournaments of national and international levels.
The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at the inaugurals of the 62nd National School Games Football under-19 tournament organized by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports under the aegis of School Games Federation of India at MAM Stadium here today.
Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, Sunil Sharma, Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Hilal Parray, Director Youth Services and Sports Sheikh Fazyaz Ahmad and other senior officers, sports persons were present on the occasion.
29 teams from different states of the country are participating in five-day tournament and the finals are slated to be held on 10th December.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the Government has already initiated a holistic programme in order to catalyze the sports activities in the State and in this regard the Center is also providing requisite funds for the same. He said funds to the tune of Rs 200 Crore have already been placed at the disposal of the State Government for upgrading the Sports infra by way of constructing new stadia, playgrounds in different areas of the State.
Dr Singh said the youth of the state have tremendous potential to excel in sports which has been demonstrated by the recent achievements registered by our sportsperson both at International and national level. He said the need of the hour is to hone the latent talent of the youth by providing them the opportunities of competing with National and International players so that they can make a mark and bring laurels to the State.
While referring to the initiatives being undertaken for upgrading and augmenting sports infra in the State, the Deputy Chief Minister said that several playgrounds have been constructed in the State and renovation work is also being carried out at others. He said an amount of Rs 40 crore has been earmarked for undertaking renovation and upgradation of the Moulana Azad Stadium at Jammu and the work in this regard would be undertaking soon so that the stadium comes up as per international standards.
Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, Mr. Sunil Kumar Sharma also spoke on the occasion and enumerated various initiatives being carried out in the sports sector and asked the youth to play a participatory role in the same by actively participating in the sports activities and tournaments.
Secretary Youth Service and Sports, Mr. Hilal Parray also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the activities being undertaken by the department in different sectors of the sports and related activities. He said that the focus is to catalyze and also provide young and aspiring sportspersons with state of art facilities.
A souvenir was also released on the occasion.
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