![Champions Kerala posing along with Minister for Sports, Moulvi Imran Raza Ansari and other dignitaries in Jammu on Friday. Champions Kerala posing along with Minister for Sports, Moulvi Imran Raza Ansari and other dignitaries in Jammu on Friday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/page162.jpg)
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 15: Minister for Information Technology, Technical Education and Youth Services and Sports, Moulvi Imran Raza Ansari said that the state of Jammu and Kashmir is a peculiar state in terms of sports, but it has many avenues to organize such mega sporting events throughout the year and is all set to explore the potential and talent from the sports aspirants at the bud. Click here to watch video
The Minister said this while felicitating the winners of U-17 Boys’ football tournament at the closing ceremony of the 63rd National School Games at BSF Stadium, Paloura, here today.
The event was organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports under the aegis of School Games Federation of India (SGFI) in which a total of 33 teams from across the country participated.
Minister of State for Transport, Revenue and YSS, Sunil Kumar Sharma, Commissioner Secretary YSS, Hilal Ahmad Parray, Director YSS, Sheikh Fayaz, BSF IG, Members from SGFI and other senior officers of the Sports department were also present on the occasion.
On the occasion, Ansari congratulated the winning team and said the winning team has shown the dedication and team spirit by winning the prestigious crown of the tournament and also prayed for their future success in their sports career. The Minister noted that more such events should be organized for involvement of the more youth in sports field.
“Under PMDP, 22 stadiums have been allotted to J&K and Sports Council is underway to complete these stadiums and hopefully in the next year some of them be thrown open to the sports lovers of the state and I am Optimistic such events will be hosted in future as well,” Ansari added.
Moreover, the Minister said that players participated in the event are peaces and sport ambassadors of the state, who can bring message of peace to other geographical parts of India.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Kumar Sharma commended the sports department for hosting the event successfully and is a breakthrough for the State. He added that such events are perceived are opportunities for ideological, social and cultural exchange among players of different states.
Earlier, in the final, Kerla defeated Haryana by a solitary goal (1-0) in a close contest to emerge champions.
Kerala beat Manipur by 2-1 goals at Sanik School Nagrota in the first semifinal, while Haryana drubbed Assam by 4-3 goals via tie-breaker at MA Stadium in another semifinal. Assam beat Manipur by 3-0 goals at the University of Jammu ground to claim the 3rd place.
Later, the Minister also felicitated the members of the sports department, SGFI and other participants of the tourney.