Minister for Youth Services & Sports, IT and Technical Education, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari Thursday said that Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium will be developed as a world class sports facility.The Minister was addressing the inaugural function of Super 16 Iqbal Khumanie (R.A) Memorial Invitational T-20 Tournament being held at Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium here.The Tournament has been organised by J&K Cricket Association (JKCA) in which 64 teams of Srinagar City are participating.Chairman JKCA, Mr. Mehboob Iqbal, General Secretary JKCA, Mr. Iqbal Shah, Director General Youth Service and Sports, Mir Jehangir were District Youth Service Officer S. Balbir Singh, other concerned officers and a good number of sports lovers were also present.
Mr. Ansari said that Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed is keen to see sports including Cricket flourish in Jammu and Kashmir. He said Government as an immediate measure released Rs 6 crore to rebuild the sports infrastructure hit by 2014 floods.
The Minister said that BCCI has been gracious enough to provide funds for rebuilding the sports infrastructure in the state.“Our Ministry is working closely with the Union Ministry of Sports for release of funds” said the Minister, adding that Rs 200 crore shall be released very soon. He said the amount will be utilised for creation of new sports infrastructure and renovation of flood affected infrastructure.Molvi Ansari called upon youth to come forward and participate in different sports and athletic events being organised by Youth Services and Sports department and J&K Cricket Association. He said efforts are on to prepare youth for National Level competitions for which Under 19 and Under 17 boys and girls tournaments are underway across the State.Earlier, the Minister interacted with the cricket players of both the teams - Sofi 11 and FCC Srinagar who played the opening match of the Super 16.The Minister also interacted with the players of Under 19 boys who are camping in the stadium for upcoming tournaments.