Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 6: Reiterating that efforts are on for promoting sports culture and activities in the State, the Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture and Youth Services & Sport, Raman Bhalla has said that development of sports infrastructure is among top priorities of the government and projects are underway to provide international standard infrastructure.
This was stated by the Minister while chairing a meeting to discuss the matters related to the promotion of water sports activities in the State held here today.
Member J&K Legislative Assembly and President J&K Kayaking and Canoeing Association (J&KKCA), Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Commissioner/ Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Secretary J&K State Sports Council, Dilip Thusu , Joint Secretary, Kashmir, J.B Singh Bali, Chief Sports Officers, Sports Officer Kashmir, Prof B.A Shah, National Referee Kayaking and Canoeing, members of J&KKAC and other officers were also present in the meeting.
The meeting was told that J&KSSC is organizing a 3-day national level water sports event “Open National Dragran Boat Race Championship” in world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar from August 31 to September 2, 2014.
As many as 200 participants from all over the India shall exhibit their talent by participating in the championship.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhalla highlighted the importance of water sports activities in promoting tourism industry and said nature has bestowed J&K with enormous and enchanting natural beauty including abundant water resources, which provide the necessary venue for holding water sports activities.
The Minister said by holding and hosting such national level sports events, the participants from outside the State can easily carry forward the message that J&K is also an ideal place for water sports activities and for holding national and international water sports events.
Mr. Bhalla said that our State is rich in talent and youth have great talent in all kind of sports activities and Government is making all out efforts for providing better sports infrastructure on modern lines, so that youth of State are able to exhibit their talent with vigour and zeal besides prove their mettle in national and international level sports events and continue with the spirit of excellence.
He further said that focused attention is being given by the Government for the upgradation of sports infrastructure in rural areas also to exploit the hidden talent and potential concealed in remote and far-flung areas. He stressed for holding national level sports events in rural areas also.
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