* Chairs AGM, calls for optimal utilization of facilities
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 17: Urging upon members to revive recreational activities and infuse new life into the historic Amar Singh Club, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today called for optimal utilization of facilities so that it is able to generate its own resources.
He said to function on a self-sustaining basis, Amar Singh Club will have to devise a strategy to explore possibilities of creating more recreational and sporting facilities for the members. “It has an ideal location and used to be a lively club in the past. But now, the activities have somewhat diminished,” he said, while chairing the Annual General Meeting of the Amar Singh Club, here this afternoon.
Chief Secretary, B. R. Sharma, Secretary, A.S. Club, Mian Mushtaq and members of the Club were present on the occasion.
Assuring the members of Government’s support in restoring the infrastructure which was damaged in last year’s floods, Mufti Sayeed, who is also the President of the Club, said the responsibility of reviving it to its past glory lay entirely with the Club management and its members. “It is my third visit here. I hope the members broaden the scope of the activities and make Amar Singh Club a vibrant and happening place,” he said, while insisting upon making the Club a family place with facilities of entertainment for children.
The Chief Minister hoped that Amar Singh Club at Srinagar becomes a centre of recreational activities, just like its namesake at Jammu. “The Chief Secretary shall see that the Club finds its spark once again,” he said, while asking the management to showcase the Club by inviting tourists.
After the floods of 2014, the club has been able to revive outdoor and indoor activities like squash, billiards and lawn tennis. While the work on landscaping is nearing completion, re-laying of boundary wall and repair of the Club Guest House is presently underway.
On this occasion, the Secretary of the Club presented his report in which he briefed the Chief Minister about the restoration of infrastructure, which was damaged in the September 2014 floods. He said to improve the financial position of the Club, new members were admitted which generated revenue of Rs. 60.50 lakh. “Besides, 15 new members also offered voluntary donation of Rs. 7.45 lakh,” he added.
The Secretary informed the Chief Minister that the Managing Committee has identified a number of revenue-earning facilities for which a ‘concept plan’ has been prepared to improve resource base of the club to tide over the financial constraints. “The members have been requested to present their valuable suggestions so that plan is executed,” he stated.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also distributed trophies amongst winners of billiards and squash tournaments which were organized by the club. The winners included Adil Shamas, M.S. Sethi, Naushad Jan and Wasif Shafi.
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