KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
The union government Friday sanctioned an assistance of Rs 200 Crore for the sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, a PIB statement said this afternoon.
The Minister of State (Independent Charge)Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal said, “sports play a crucial role in the physical fitness and well being of people, apart from contributing to social inclusiveness, gender equality and youth development.”
He was speaking at the Opening Ceremony of 61st National School Games 2015 in the Discipline of Football under 19 Years (Boys) at Bakhshi Stadium Srinagar today.
Sonowal congratulated the athletes who gathered there to participate in the “National Games 2015” and wished them best of luck.
He also appreciated the initiative taken by the State Government and the organizers to host such a Mega Sports Event at Srinagar.
He further stated, “J&K has a lot of sporting talent which is not finding expression due to inadequate sports facilities. At the initiative of the Prime Minister, the Union Finance Minister, in the Union Budget for 2014-15 announced a Special Package of Rs 200 Crore for Development of Sports Infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Sonowal formally declared the sanction of assistance of Rs 200 Crore to J & K.
Out of this amount, Rs 88 Crore will be provided for renovation/up – gradation of Bakhshi Stadium at Srinagar, M A Stadium at Jammu and other works, which will include laying of synthetic athletic track, synthetic hockey turf, construction of swimming pool and multi-purpose hall in both these capital districts. Rs 52 Crore will be provided for up-gradation of existing stadia at Poonch and Rajouri and construction of indoor hall in each of remaining 12 districts. These works will be undertaken by the State Government for which 50% of sanctioned funds will be provided shortly. Apart from the above, Central assistance of Rs 60 Crore will be provided to Jammu and Kashmir over a period of 05 years for procurement of sports equipments, training of coaches and holding sports competitions. This financial assistance from the Union Government will boost the sports activities in the State of J & K.
Earlier, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed declared “61st National School Games 2015” open in presence of the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Youth Affairs and Sports.
The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir appreciated the efforts of Union Government in boosting sports in the State.
