Srinagar: In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha inaugurated sports infrastructure worth Rs. 49.78 crore and laid foundation of various projects costing Rs. 10.5 Crore across the Union Territory in a function held at Pologround in Srinagar today.
While addressing the gathering, Mr Sinha observed that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have immense sports potential with many players representing the country in different sports.
He added that J&K is equally equipped like other states of India and has the potential to produce world-class sportspersons.
The LG further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sanctioned Rs. 200 crore under the PM’s Development Package for upgradation of sports infrastructure and encouragement of budding talent in the field after acknowledging the sports potential of Jammu and Kashmir.
He maintained that this package has brought a revolution in the sports sector of J&K which is equally equipped like other states of the country and can expect some top achievers in future events under Khelo India.
Laying stress on execution of works in a time-bound manner, the Lt Governor said that apart from the projects inaugurated today, 81 other projects are already completed with a cost of Rs. 108 crore.
He said, another Rs. 30 crores have been released by the Government for construction of a playground in every panchayat of the union territory.
He asserted that around 15 lakh youth shall be trained in various indoor and outdoor games to overhaul the sports ecosystem of J&K.
For promotion of sports at the grass root level, he maintained that each panchayat has been provided with sports kits during the recently concluded Back to Village-3 as per the local requirements.
The Lt Governor hoped that Prime Minister’s interaction with Afshan Ashiq, a famous female Football player from the J&K during Fit India Online Dialogue will certainly provide a morale boost to the local players.
Mr Sinha also said that the rapid promotion of sports in J&K especially at the rural sector has developed a sense of hope that the union territory will definitely feature among the top 10 medal winners in the next Khelo India Youth Games
