Kupwara: Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Sarmad Hafeez on Friday said the department engaged 60 lakh youth in sports activities in Jammu and Kashmir, which is nearly double the target of 35 lakh engagements.
“We have highly engaged the youth. For a target of 35 lakh youth engagement, we were able to engage 60 lakh youth in sports activities,” Sarmad said, adding, “This year, the target has been raised by 10 lakh. So far, the figure has already crossed 30 lakh.”
He also said the UT administration is committed to encouraging youth towards sports and the department ensures all the required facilities for them.
Addressing the youth at the inaugural ceremony of Multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall at Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, Sarmad said the sports department is developing a world-class infrastructure for players.
“It will help youth peruse their dreams and achieve new heights,” he said, adding, “The goals achieved here won’t only be physical fitness. It will also help them nourish their values and grow as a team.”
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and other officials of the administration were present on the occasion.
Recalling his tenure as Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, the Secretary YSS said the indoor sports infrastructure has been a very long pending demand. “The dream has been realised now. The youth will now be able to achieve their goals,” he said.
Hafeez said the hall will act as a place where people of all ages can come and avail of the facilities. “Not only youth, the people of any age can avail of this facility. It will be helpful for a better and healthier lifestyle. Such facilities will help youth channelise their potential and energies,” he said.
Sarmad said that separate funds under the Prime Minister’s Development Program have been allocated to Jammu & Kashmir. “Now each district in the region has an indoor sports stadium. Not only Khelo India, but multi-sports indoor stadiums have come up. All other required infrastructure has been developed in nook and corner of the Union Territory,” he said.
The Secretary said that 100 sports centres were awarded to J&K and five each sports centres will come up in each district. These will be the highest number of Khelo India centers across the country, he said, adding that the sport is the priority of the UT administration.
Sports activities, he said, shall continue in the times to come. “To support the youth of this district, we have a holistic development plan,” he said.
Sarmad assured that the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha shall be realized. He appreciated the commitment of the elected members and said that with the help of PRI members, the department will be able to engage more number youth in sports.
