![Minister for Forests, Ch Lal Singh interacting with Hockey players at KK Hakhu Astroturf Stadium in Jammu on Tuesday. Minister for Forests, Ch Lal Singh interacting with Hockey players at KK Hakhu Astroturf Stadium in Jammu on Tuesday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/page121.jpg)
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 2: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh stressed upon the authorities of Hockey Jammu and Kashmir to encourage participation of players in the Hockey tournaments adding that adequate facility will be provided from the Government to nurture the talent of the players.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering of sports lovers at the concluding function of the 4-day long tournament at KK Hakhu Astroturf Hockey Stadium, here today.
The hockey tournament was organized by Hockey Jammu and Kashmir under the Presidentship of Kanta Andotra.
On the concluding day of 4-day hockey tournament, in Phase-I in the category of women (senior) of district Jammu, the match was played between Platinum Club and Sahara Club, while in Phase-II in the men’s category, the match was played between Hiranagar Club and Gole Gujral Hockey Club. Hiranagar won men’s title and Sahara clinched women’s title.
While highlighting the importance of such events for the development of better sports culture in the State, the Minister said that the Government of J&K is committed to take every such step which will boost the sports talent among youth and provide them with the opportunities to showcase their talent at the National and Inter-National levels.
“Let’s Play is the best opportunity available to our Students and non-students for showing their talent in the game of hockey,” he said.
The Minister congratulated the organizers of the tournament and assured them every possible support in developing the play field, besides providing services of coaches.
President, Hockey J&K, Kanta Andotra assured that every possible help will be taken by Hockey J&K for encouraging the talented sportspersons.
While giving the details, she further said, in all, the 22 Districts of the State, 56 competitions of boys and 26 matches of girls will be conducted in the hockey championship.
Later, the Minister and President Hockey J&K also distributed mementos and tracksuits among the winning and runners-up teams.