*UT home to best gymnasts, fencers: Nuzhat Gul
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, May 2: The Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) organized a one-day Youth Services and Sports Conclave at Convention Centre in Jammu with Secretary YSS Sarmad Hafeez as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarmad Hafeez praised J&K for being the Union Territory regularly producing international standard players in fencing, gymnastics, roller skating, cricket and other sports. He also called for facilitating the interaction of such achievers with young children to encourage enhanced participation in sports, recommending that they be made mentors of school children.
He exhorted upon the District Youth Services and Sports Officers to conduct interaction sessions in all schools including private institutions to develop a thriving sports culture and promote regular collaboration between institutions. He suggested instating steps like holding annual sports events in schools to achieve this.
Hafeez also called for a monthly progress report regarding activities conducted in districts to promote and conduct sports. He said that the department is well equipped with infrastructure including 94 Khelo India centres in J&K, at least one indoor stadium in each district besides a playfield in every panchayat.
He emphasized the need for spreading awareness about SO-12 of the Government under which 5 gazetted jobs besides numerous non-gazetted jobs have been earmarked for exceptional sportspersons of J&K. The Secretary assured stakeholders that there is no dearth of funds for promoting sports activities.
On the occasion, a presentation was also given by DG YSS, Subhash C Chibber through which he revealed the department’s achievements, its planned activities and target of increased participation in sports activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary JK Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, said that J&K has made remarkable strides in sports. Over the years, the UT has hosted 22 national level events including the Khelo India Winter Games and the International Pencak Silat championship.
Pertinently, about 25,000 children have represented the UT in 56 disciplines at the national level, winning 687 national level medals and 38 international level medals. Besides, J&K has produced some of the best fencers, gymnasts, Olympians and paralympians.
In the past two and a half years, the department has delivered 700 projects including 60 light stadiums across the UT, and is currently working on nine Astro Turf projects.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
