![BJP MLA Rajesh Gupta and General Secretary Organisation Ashok Koul laying foundation stone for up-gradation of Basketball Court. BJP MLA Rajesh Gupta and General Secretary Organisation Ashok Koul laying foundation stone for up-gradation of Basketball Court.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/page10-11.jpg)
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 1: MLA, Rajesh Gupta and Ashok Koul, General Secretary Organization BJP today laid foundation stone for up-gradation of Basketball Court at Mini Stadium, Parade here today.
The project being executed by Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 19 lakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Gupta said that sports is an integral part of personality development and the development of sufficient infrastructure will help in grooming budding sportsmen and enable them to compete at national and international levels.
He further said Government intends to upgrade sports infrastructure with latest facilities in the state so that the sports skills of state’s youth are harnessed to the optimum. He informed that up-gradation work of play field costing Rs. 42 lakh at Mini Stadium would be started at the earliest.
Mr Koul while speaking on the occasion said that sports is one of the best mediums to unite the nation. He said that need is to frame a comprehensive sports policy in order to provide opportunities to all the youngsters to express themselves and become well balanced individuals. He said that sports is a medium that develops leadership qualities and also keeps younger generations away from bad influences, adding that great saint and philosopher Swami Vivekananda used to play football in order to keep himself fit.
Among others, Joint Secretary J&K Sports Council Shiv Kumar Sharma, officers of Sports Council and a large number of sports persons besides local people were also present on the occasion.