Kiren Rijiju felicitates sportspersons, coaches at Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Reaching out to athletes of J&K, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju today interacted with various athletes, players and coaches of different sports and felicitated them on their recent achievements in national and international events.

While felicitating the achievers, Kiren Rijiju appreciated the athletes for bringing laurels to both J&K and the Country.

Kiren Rijiju highlighted role of sports in character building which corresponds with the nation building. He added that sports helps athletes achieve unique feats and help them explore the world besides leads them to live a disciplined life.

On the occasion, the MoS promised to set up more training centres in J&K in near future to tap and train the talent of region.

Kiren Rijiju who is on two days visit to J&K shall inaugurate Khelo India Centre of Excellence, Water Sports Academy at Srinagar tomorrow.

Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan while addressing on the occasion said that the athletes are icons and praised them for inspiring the generations to follow. He said that the footprints of all the achievers gathered here shall act as beacon lights for future champions.

Advisor Khan also requested the MoS to provided requisite facilities for athletes of J&K so that they can make their mark in the Olympic and World Championship events.

Advisor Khan also informed that inputs for J&K’s Sports Policy which is being framed shall also be sought from the sportspersons who are the real stakeholders.

Principal Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Alok Kumar while addressing the gathering assured that Sports Policy is in pipeline and shall be announced very soon. He also apprised that outstanding sportspersons shall benefit immensely from the policy.

On the occasion, several athletes highlighted their struggles and talked about their success in the field of sports.

 Insha Bashir Para-Olympic gave an emotional gist of her journey into the sports and the support she has received all through from various stakeholders including J&K Sports Council and a special care taken by Kiran Rijiju after her on field mishap, surgery and recovery a year ago.

Cyclist Adil Teli who is in the reckoning for Guinness Book of Record for his feat of cycling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari this year, beating the previous record was especially invited to share his sojourn between two extremes of the country.

Judo player Kabra Altaf, speaking on the occasion was all praises for the support meted out to the athletes by J&K Sports Council. She also demanded setting up of Sports Hostels for accommodation of players during the sports events and Training camps.

Another Athlete, Jabeena Akhtar, who has bagged 25 medals at different levels in Wushu requested for full-fledged Sports Policy for J&K.

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