KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Describing sports as an effective but underutilized tool, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today emphasized upon broadening the scope of sports activities to achieve excellence and enhance ability of our youth in competing at all major events, in particular National Games.
He also issued directions to J&K Sports Council for carrying out speedy repairs of playgrounds and sports infrastructure which had been badly damaged in last year’s floods so that gaming activities could be started in earnest, an official statement said.
The Chief Minister passed these directions while chairing the 54th meeting of the J&K Sports Council, here today. This is the first meeting of the Council in more than two-and-a-half years with the last meeting convened on February 19, 2013.
The Chief Minister, who is also the President of the Council, stressed upon the concerned authorities for active involvement of Deputy Commissioners in organizing sporting events in their respective districts. He also highlighted the need to engage trained coaches who can work with talented youngsters to hone their skills and prepare them better at the cutting edge level of sports.
Placing high priority on extra-curricular activities in our educational institutions, Mufti Sayeed also desired that all outstanding sports-persons, who have been appointed in various Government departments, should be identified so that their experience in the field of sports can be utilized in coaching of youngsters.
Asking the Sports Council to make a fresh beginning and focus on upkeep of existing infrastructure, the Chief Minister said a full-time Secretary of the Sports Council will posted soon. He issued directions to Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, for preparing an itinerary of tournaments to be held at school, college and district levels so that talent of our youth in various disciplines is brought into limelight. “The Government will recognize the flair of our youngsters for sports and honour all those who distinguish themselves during these tourneys,” he stated.
Expressing concern over lack of sports-related activities in our educational institutions, Mufti Sayeed placed high priority on creating aptitude for games, which is a prerequisite for overall personality development.
Inviting suggestions from nominated members who have excelled in various disciplines, the Chief Minister asked the Sports Council to strive towards becoming a self-sustained body that is able to generate its own resources. He also directed the Council to conceive a plan for establishing a Sports Academy that will work towards motivating young athletes to achieve excellence in the field of sports by offering them state-of-the-art facilities, the statement added.
