Excelsior Sports Correspondent
![Minister for Sports R S Chib and Minister for Revenue Raman Bhalla felicitating wrestlers during valedictory function at R S Pura on Wednesday.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/page14-1-copy1-150x150.jpg)
JAMMU, Oct 24: Underlining the importance of sports activities as vital for shaping overall personality of the youth, Minister for Medical and Technical Education, Youth Services and Sports, R. S. Chib today stressed the need for promoting sports culture by holding regular championships and tournaments especially in remote and border areas of the State.
Chib who was chief guest at a wrestling competition, in presence of Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla, organized by the Dusshera and Chhinj Committee, R. S. Pura, said that the State Government has prioritized creation of adequate sports infrastructure right from block level to revive the sports culture in the state.
MLA R S Pura, Prof Gharu Ram, MLA Suchetgarh, Ch. Sham Lal, ex. MP, Trilok Singh Bajwa, SDM and Tehsildar R S Pura, Management of Committee and a large number of people also watched the thrilling wrestling competition with participation from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh and J&K .
The first bout winner wrestler was awarded with Motorcycle and the runner up got Rs. 10,000, while the second bout winner wrestler was awarded Rs.15,000 and runner up got Rs.7,000/- and the third bout winner wrestler got Rs.10,000/- and the runner up got Rs.5000/.
Chib said that government was keen to upgrade sports infrastructure in rural areas adding that various steps have been taken in this regard. He said that recently a scheme have been launched under which inter Panchayat sports tournaments are held at block level to provide potential players of rural areas an opportunity to excel in the sports of their interest.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhalla said such events also help in promoting friendly relationship among the people of different culture and traditions adding that sports were vital for a healthy society. He hoped that the Committee will continue to hold such type of contests to encourage the local talent in the area.