JAMMU, JANUARY 30: The Centre as well as the Union Territory Governments are committed to raise sports infrastructural facilities in Jammu & Kashmir and make it a sports hub in near future. This was stated by Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner (Finance) while declaring open 65th National School Games for under 14 & under 17 Boys/Girls in the discipline of Sqay Martial Art at Gymnasium Hall, University of Jammu, here today.
While lavishing praise on the organizers for holding the event in a befitting manner and providing an opportunity to the budding sportspersons for showcasing their talent and skill, Mehta said that efforts are on to raise sports infrastructural facilities in every nook and corner of the Union Territory to help budding Sportspersons flourish at the National and International scene.
Mehta assured that the Govt will establish one indoor and outdoor stadium each in every panchayat of the Union Territory by the end of 2021, adding that the developmental works in this regard are in progress.
He said that strict instructions will be issued to the concerned authorities for giving fillip to at least one sporting discipline in each school matching the facilities available in that particular institution.
The Financial Commissioner also said that the coaches, trainers besides physical education teachers and masters will be sent to advance training courses to NIS Patiala, NIS Gwalior and other places for fine-tuning their skills in order to help them impart better training to the budding sportspersons.
The FC also assured to provide financial and other allied assistance to the sportspersons to help them shine at the higher levels and bring laurels for the Union Territory.
Earlier, while welcoming the chief guest and other dignitaries, Director General Youth Services & Sports Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman highlighted the achievements of the department during the year 2019-20. He said that J&K has so far won 130 medals at the National scene and is aiming at winning around 200 medals in National School Games this year.
Secretary Youth Services & Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, while presenting vote of thanks, congratulated the participating teams for being part of this sporting extravaganza.
He also highlighted the Sporting achievements of the Union Territory in the ongoing season.
It is pertinent to mention here that 56 teams drawn from 14 States/UTs are taking part in this 5-day mega event, which will conclude on February 3, 2020.
