*Declares open 65th National School Games in Sqay
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 30: The Centre as well as J&K Government is committed to raise sports infrastructural facilities in Jammu and Kashmir and make it a sporting hub in near future.
This was stated by Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner (Finance) while declaring open 65th National School Games under-14 and under-17 Boys/Girls in the discipline of Sqay Martial Art at Gymnasium Hall, University of Jammu, here today.
While lavishing praise on the organizers for holding the event in a befitting manner by providing ample opportunity to the budding sportspersons for showcasing their talent and skill, Mr Mehta said that efforts are afloat to raise sports infrastructural facilities in every nook and corner of the Union Territory to help budding sportspersons flourish at the National and International scene.
Mr Mehta assured that the Govt will establish one indoor and outdoor stadium each in every Panchayat of the Union Territory by the end of 2021, adding that the developmental works in this regard are in progress.
He said strict instructions will be served to the concerned authorities for giving fillip to at least one sporting discipline in each school in accordance with the sporting facilities available in that particular institution.
The Financial Commissioner also said that the coaches, trainers besides physical education teachers and masters will be sent to advanced training courses to NIS Patiala, NIS Gwalior and other places for fine-tuning their skills in order to help them impart better training to the budding sportspersons.
Mr Mehta also assured of providing financial and other allied assistance to the sportspersons to help them blossom at the higher levels and bring laurels for the Union Territory.
Earlier, while welcoming the chief guest and other dignitaries, Director General Youth Services & Sports, Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman highlighted the achievements of the Department during the year 2019-20. He said that J&K has so far won 130 medals at the National scene and is aiming at winning around 200 medals in National School Games this year.
Secretary Youth Services & Sports, Mr Sarmad Hafeez while presenting vote of thanks, congratulated the participating teams for being part of this sporting extravaganza.
He also highlighted the sporting achievements of the Union Territory in the ongoing season.
Both Secretary YSS and DG Sports said that such events apart from serving as a launching pad for budding sportspersons to carve a space on the country’s sports map, also help them to exchange culture with their counterparts from the other States.
“Sportspersons are the messengers of peace and harmony. Conduct of big events like this is a step forward towards bringing peace and prosperity to J&K Union Territory,” expressed the duo.
On the occasion, the chief guest and other dignitaries interacted with the participating teams and encouraged them.
It is pertinent to mention here that 56 teams drawn from 14 States/UTs of the country are taking part in this 5-day mega event, which will conclude on February 3, 2020.
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