Srinagar, Oct 29: Minister of Youth Services & Sports, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology and ARI & Training Satish Sharma chaired a detailed meeting of the senior Officers of Youth Services and Sports Department J&K at Civil Secretariat here. The maiden meeting of the minister with the Department of YS&S underscored the collective efforts towards realizing the vision of a vibrant sports ecosystem that fosters inclusive participation, competitive excellence, modern sports infrastructure and robust Youth engagement.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to Government, Department of Youth Services and Sports J&K Sarmad Hafeez, Director General Youth Services and Sports J&K Rajinder Singh Tara, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, Special Secretary YS&S Jyoti Devi Salathia, Additional Secretary YS&S Narayan Dutt and other Officers and Officials from the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports and J&K Sports Council.
Secretary YS&S Sarmad Hafeez informed the chair about the recently introduced J&K Sports Policy. He said that the policy outlines a structured approach to develop sports infrastructure, promoting sports education and creating a support system for athletes through scholarships and awards etc. He also shed light on the sports scholarships being awarded to the meritorious students in the category of Sports through DTP mode by YS&S Department. The Department apprised the Minister about various sports activities being carried out throughout the year for engaging lacs of school children and youth in sports, and recreational activities.
Sharma in his remarks directed the officers that every possibility should be explored in reviewing the traditional sports in rural and border areas. He further said that our youth is highly capable and they should act as torchbearers in eradicating the social evils like drug addiction. He further said that that the established business houses of the UT should help in building high class sports infra, sports excellence enters and sponsor meritorious sports persons under corporate social responsibility. He emphasized upon the officers and officials of the Department to work with the same zeal and commitment to take the Department of Youth Services & Sports to the newer heights of success.
The meeting started with two comprehensive presentations by DG YS&S and Secretary J&K Sports Council. At the outset Secretary YS&S briefed the Hon’ble Minister about the Department of Youth Services & Sports and various initiatives taken by the Department for tapping, channelizing and nurturing sports talent in the J&K youth.
DG YS&S discussed the mass engagement of large number of youth in games and sports. He also highlighted the unprecedented growth of sports infrastructure by the Department under Capex and JKIFDC projects in the Union Territory of J&K during last 4 years. A detailed review was also presented about the infrastructure of the Department’s Government College Of Physical Education Ganderbal, Sports infrastructure developed in the college campus and the courses offered by the college. He also informed the chair about the participation and achievements of the J&K youth in 67th National School Games. DG YS&S also threw light on the preparations in place for hosting 68th National School Games being organized under the aegis of School Games Federation Of India in 4 games viz Wushu, Judo, fencing and football from November 7th to December 10th at Jammu.
Secretary J&K Sports Council in her presentation highlighted the role of the organization in building a world class sports infrastructure across J&K. She also highlighted the initiatives of the Sports Council in establishing Sports Academies, Sports Excellence Centers and such allied facilities for channelizing and polishing the sports talent of the J&K youth under Khelo India Scheme. She stated that it is due to such facilities that J&K youth is achieving great laurels in National and International Sports events.
