Anantnag: Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma on Saturday undertook an extensive tour of sports facilities across Anantnag district and announced a series of infrastructure upgrades aimed at strengthening the sporting ecosystem and promoting youth participation in sports.
The Minister was accompanied by Abdul Majeed Bhat, the District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Anantnag and officers from various departments.
During the visit, Sharma inspected sports stadiums, playgrounds and allied facilities at Qazigund, Sadoora, Bumthan, Panzath, Monghall, Dialgam, Ruh and Boin Dialgam. He reviewed existing infrastructure and assessed requirements for modernisation and expansion.
Interacting with players, coaches, sports officials and local youth, the Minister appreciated the sporting talent emerging from the district and observed that Anantnag has become one of the leading districts in Jammu and Kashmir in terms of sports participation and athlete development.
Announcing a series of upgrades, Sharma said sports stadiums and playgrounds across the district would be expanded and modernised. The proposed interventions include development of additional playfields, improvement of training infrastructure, enhancement of spectator facilities and installation of floodlighting systems to facilitate sporting activities during evening hours.
He said the planned projects would provide athletes, particularly those from rural areas, access to better training facilities and greater opportunities to excel in competitive sports.
“Sports have the power to transform lives, build character and channelise the energy of youth towards positive and productive pursuits. Our aim is to create an enabling environment where every young athlete gets the opportunity to realise his or her full potential,” the Minister said.
Sharma reiterated that sports development remains a priority sector for the government, with emphasis on strengthening grassroots infrastructure, identifying talent at an early stage and providing systematic support to athletes.
He directed officials to prepare comprehensive project reports for the upgradation of sports facilities wherever required and stressed the need for proper maintenance and optimum utilisation of existing infrastructure.
The Minister also met several public delegations and local representatives who raised issues related to sports infrastructure, transport services, the public distribution system, youth welfare and other developmental concerns.
Assuring them of action, Sharma said all genuine demands would be examined on priority and addressed in a time-bound manner. He reiterated the government’s commitment to responsive governance and equitable development across all sections of society.
