In a bid to give fillip to the sports activities and to involve more and more youth in such events, Advisor to Governor B. B. Vyas along with Advisor K. Vijay Kumar today inaugurated 4-day long North Kashmir Sports Festival 2018 at Showkat Ali Stadium which witnessed the overwhelming participation of young and enthusiastic sports persons and athletes from the area.
The Sports Festival is organized by Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council wherein about 1100 players are participating in various sports activities including Volley Ball, Kabaddi, Handball, Hockey and other games which shall be organized at different levels.
Meanwhile, a Kabaddi match was also played during the inaugural ceremony between Handwara Kabbadi Club and Sopore Kabaddi Association which was won by the Sopore Association.
Addressing the participants and locals, Advisor B B Vyas who was the chief guest on the occasion, hailed the JK Sports Council for organizing the Sports Festival and said that such events enable our youth to channelize their potential in a positive direction. He said that sports activities have a profound and significant impact on the social and mental development of our youth besides urging them to participate with more frequency in such events.
Reiterating upon the Government’s commitment of developing sports infrastructure, the Advisor said that various sports activities are being organized across the length and breadth of the state under centrally sponsored “Khelo India” sports initiative.
“There is no dearth of talent in our state, it only needs to be harnessed in a positive way so that youth get a chance to display their skills and move ahead,”B B Vyas said.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to Governor, K Vijay Kumar, who is holding the charge of Youth Services & Sports department, urged the parents to let their wards to choose sports field as the carrier avenue for their holistic development.
With regard to the government’s initiative to upgrade sports infrastructure in the state and to involve youth in sports activities, the Advisor said that the centre has sanctioned Rs 14.30 crore under “Khelo India” programme and the funds have been further released for utilization under the same. “Khelo India initiative would surely give boost to sports activities in the state and encourage youth for their participation in games, other related activities”, Kumar said.
He further said that divisional/district-level Task Force have also been established for ensuring promotion of sports activities in every district, adding that the concerned DCs have prepared Action Plan under which various kinds of activities would be organizing at every level.
Giving out the details of the festival, Secretary, J&K State Sports Council, Dr Naseem Javaid Chowdhary said that the festival will continue for 4 days and will cover all districts of North Kashmir. “More than 1100 players would be participating in 5 different sports disciplines,” said Chowdhary.
District Development Commissioner Dr Nasir Ahmad Naqash assured every possible support from the district administration in promoting sports culture among youth.
On the occasion, a colorful cultural program was also presented by school children and cultural troupes.
Other dignitaries present on the occasion included DG Youth Services and Sports, Dr Saleem Ur Rehman, SSP Baramulla, senior officers from army, CRPF, BSF, senior officers of district administration. Besides, a large number of locals were also present on the occasion.