Jammu, Dec 8: Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta while declaring the 33rd Senior National Tennis Ball Cricket Championship open here said the J&K administration gave an opportunity to 50 lakh youth this year to demonstrate their sporting skills across the length and breadth of the Union Territory. He also said the government is committed to creating a world-class infrastructure for the sports lovers of the Union Territory.
Speaking as a chief guest at MA Stadium, Jammu; the Chief Secretary remarked that the administration is determined to organise the marquee events of national and international championships across J&K. He said such events certainly provide excellent opportunities for showcasing budding sports talent amongst the youth.
“It had been made a reality to have a playfield in every panchayat and at least an Indoor Stadium in each district,” Dr Mehta said.
The Chief Secretary added, “In order to hone the skills of youth many stadia are provided with flood lights and artificial turfs. Youth in areas like Downtown Srinagar and other districts can be seen playing games till late hours at such venues. A culture of sports and cultural activities is taking root in J&K. Every person young or old is encouraged to take up either sports or culture to channelise his/her energy towards better and healthy activities.”
The Director, YS&S in his remarks stated that the Sports Council & J&K Tennis Ball association has been very active in organizing the 33rd National Championship from 8-11 December in this sprawling stadium in the magnificent city.
The Secretary Sports Council while presenting the welcome address of the 4-day long championship being organised under the “My Youth My Pride” initiative of the Sports Council added that the championship confirms the participation of 36 Men & 28 Women teams of the country. She gave out that the participation of around 1000 sports persons from 28 States including 8 UTs took part in the inaugural function.
It was informed that the grand affair is being organised to provide a healthy competition for the players to showcase their versatility and exhibit the best of their sporting talent. A pledge for fair play and the war against drug abuse was also taken by the participants of the championship.
The proceeding of the opening ceremony was conducted by the Working President of the J&K Tennis Ball Cricket Association and the General Secretary of the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation jointly. Members of the Sports Council, the General Secretary of the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation, the Chairman Tennis Ball Cricket Federation and other senior members of the federation and officials of the J&K Sports Council & Youth Service & Sports department were present on the occasion.
