JAMMU: Secretary Youth Services and Sports Department, Sarmad Hafeez, today convened a meeting with representatives of recognized Sports Associations in Panchayat Bhawan, Jammu, to review the calendar of activities for the year 2023-24.
While addressing the sports associations, Sarmad Hafeez asked them to work for the betterment of athletes and address their legitimate demands. He informed the participants that massive sports infrastructure has been created in J&K which has resulted in outstanding performance of athletes at national and international levels besides hosting mega sports events.
Sarmad Hafeez apprised that the J&K administration has increased the capex budget along with initiating several other reformative measures to create more facilities in various sports disciplines. He stressed upon the representatives of sports associations to diversify their activities across J&K and refrain from limiting their scope to capital cities only.
Secretary sought cooperation from the sports associations to achieve the target of reaching out to 70 lakh youth this year and focus on involving athletes from all age groups including participants in the new vertical of the ‘golden age ‘and ‘specially abled athletes’.
Stressing on creating a congenial atmosphere for women athletes to enable them to participate in various sports activities and training camps, Sarmad Hafeez said that CCTV cameras and helpline numbers shall be kept available to keep a check on the ambiance around the sports facilities for them.
Secretary also emphasized on following the guidelines of the Sports Council for regulating transparency in holding the offices, conducting elections on time besides proper documentation of activities, registration of athletes, and accounting of funds being provided by the Sports Council.
Sarmad Hafeez informed that there is a complete synergy between the J&K Sports Council and the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports.
He asked the sports associations to provide valuable suggestions to the Directorate and J&K Sports Council in the creation of infrastructure so that the best sports facilities are made available to the athletes. He also sought active support from the representatives of the associations to eradicate the drug menace which has touched dangerous prepositions. He stressed on the need to motivate the youth to embrace sports for channelizing their energies in the right direction.
Appreciating the role of J&K Sports Council in hosting the three editions of the Khelo India Winter Games successfully, he said the endeavor also helped in the promotion of tourism.
Secretary asked the representatives that a proper plan of sports activities be devised to provide a competitive environment to every athlete irrespective of age group. He directed the officers of J&K Sports Council and Directorate of Youth Services & Sports to display a wall of honors of reputed athletes and sports icons in and around the sports facilities in every district to inspire the youth. He also informed that the jobs of the outstanding sportspersons under SO-12 are under active consideration in the General Administration Department.
Representatives of the sports associations put forth their suggestions and demands for further streamlining of sports facilities, equipment, placement of coaches and trainers, setting up of sports medicine cell, and financial support for advanced training and participation in zonal competitions.
Sarmad Hafeez directed the associations to submit proposals to the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports and J&K Sports Council for capacity building of staff and conduct of training camps for school children,
The representative of Special Olympic Bharat, J&K chapter requested the Secretary for approval of the establishment of Khel Bal Sabha at Panchayat Level and Khel Yuva Sabha at Village level.
Secretary also desired to conduct national level competitions for senior age groups, golden age, and special abled athletes for building a proper sports ecosystem in J&K.
Secretary J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull, also asked registered associations to provide proper details of revenue raised from different sponsors during the hosting of national or other similar events so that proper transparency is ensured in the utilization of funds.
Later, Sarmad Hafeez inaugurated Gymnasium Centre at New Indoor Sports Complex, MA Stadium, Jammu, and new Billiard tables placed in the Billiards Hall.
Among others present in the meeting included Subash Chander Chhibber Director of Youth Services & Sports, Rakesh Mangotra, Special Secretary YSS, Naresh Khajuria, Special Secretary YSS, Ashu Gupta, Joint Director Planning YSS, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, Chief Accounts Officer, J&K Sports Council, besides other officials from YSS and Sports Council.
