Rs 200 Cr. allotted for Development of sports infrastructure on the modern pattern in U.T of J and K: Shri Anurag Thakur

Key Highlight

• The Union Sports Minister Shri Anurag Thakur also e-inaugurated three highly equipped indoor stadiums in Budgam, Pulwama and Anantnag

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Thakur has said that the Centre has allocated Rs. 200 Cr. investment to develop sports infrastructure of U.T of J&K on modern patterns and that there will be one highly equipped indoor stadium in each district of J&K. These remarks were made by him while addressing a gathering of sportspersons, players, members of PRIs, DDCs, BDCs, and students at Budgam today as part of the Union Governments Public Outreach Programme.

The Minister also e-inaugurated three highly equipped indoor stadiums in Budgam, Pulwama, and Anantnag. Now sports facilities in these stadiums will run 365 days without getting affected by weather or other disruptions, the Minister said.

The Minister further said that “in future, it will be my desire and aim to visit every district of J&K and personally witness the requirements on the ground”. Shri Anurag Thakur also said the government is going to start procedures for the upgradation and renovation of all existing sports infrastructure at par with international standards. The Minister in his speech appealed to all people of the country to visit this place and see for themselves the beautiful green pastures, clean atmosphere, and hospitality of the people of Kashmir.

 The Minister on the occasion appealed young generation particularly inspiring youth to say no to drugs and use sports as a tool of personal development, capability, and talent which will enable them to compete in any competitions be it in sports or in the academic field.

Shri Anurag Thakur also appreciated the efforts of the district administration and sports council of J&K for ensuring timely completion of these prestigious projects despite going through enormous hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shri Anurag Thakur said that he was thrilled to notice that the youth of J&K are showing a keen interest in sporting activities. “Our players shall not feel disappointed on account of non-availability of sports infrastructure”, the Minister emphasized. He stressed the training of youth on the new and scientific pattern to achieve desired results in all sporting activities.

Earlier, the Honorable Minister upon reaching the venue was welcomed by Honorable Advisor to LG of UT, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Khan, Principal Secretary YSS, Director YSS Kashmir, DC Budgam Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza, and SSP Budgam among other dignitaries.

In his welcome address, Sh Farooq Ahmad Khan said that this day will be remembered as an auspicious day for the sports lovers of UT of J&K particularly the young sportspersons from Budgam, Anantnag and Pulwama were 3 fully equipped indoor stadiums have been inaugurated and thrown open for onward sporting activities. He said the present Government under the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister has formulated a comprehensive plan to take sports infrastructure at par with the infrastructure available in developed countries. Shri Anurag Thakur said the aim of the Honorable PM is to facilitate more and more sportspersons who can bring laurels to the country in competing at the Olympic level and win medals.

The Minister, after inaugurating the indoor stadiums, had an interaction with volleyball players from two local teams who during the proceedings played a volleyball game which was duly appreciated by the Minister as a volley ballplayer. The Minister also witnessed other sports activities displayed by athletes affiliated with the sport of boxing, judo, and fencing.

The day-long function was also attended by DDC Chairperson Nazir Ahmad Khan along with DDCs, BDCs, and other PRI members, besides various district and sectoral officers.