Sports to Restore Normalcy in Troubled Kashmir
The Minister of Sports from Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Moulvi Imran Ansari called on India’s Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Thursday. During their meeting various ways to engage the youth of J&K in sporting and constructive activities were discussed.
Vijay Goel informed the J&K delegation that in pursuance of the directives of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioning a package of Rs. 200 crores for sports activities, Rs. 30 crores have already been released as the first installment.
He assured that whatever more is required for creation of sports facilities and for upgradation of existing ones in the State, the same will also be released.
[ Kashmiri Migrant Tortured at DPS Housing Society Delhi ]
Goel agreed for a demand of an Astro Turf football field in the Islamic University in Awantipur as and when the proposal is received.
For the first time, the Minister directed for posting of a Deputy Director level officer by the Sports Authority of India exclusively for looking after sports activities in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. In many villages, open gym equipment will also be provided by the Government of India.
Goel said that in addition to this financial support the National Institute of Sports, Patiala has trained 200 youths from J&K as coaches in different sports disciplines last year.
[ Stop Human Rights Abuses in Kashmir: Rights Groups ]
On the request of the State Government, the Minister approved engagement of these coaches by the State Government as coaches and deploy them in all districts. The remuneration will be paid by the Government of India.
The Minister expressed confidence that with the creation of sports infrastructure in all districts and upgradation of existing two main stadia and both capital cities, Jammu and Srinagar, the youth will engage in sports and indulge in constructive activities.
The Sports Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Moulvi Imran Ansari thanked the Union Minister for the concern of Government of India for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Photo courtesy: Press Information Bureau
