Minister for Social Welfare, Forests, Ecology and Environment, Bali Bhagat has said that development of art and sports activities is the prime focus of the government and various measures are being taken in this regard.This was stated by the minister after inaugurating a Wrestling Competition organized by the Baba Kalkh Nath Dangal Committee at Raipur, Thather, Jammu here today.Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sukhnandan Kumar Choudhary and Member Parliament Shamsher Singh Manhas were also present on the occasion.Wrestlers from Punjab, Delhi, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir participated competition. In all, 60 bouts marked the wrestling competition in which the wrestlers showed their talent.
Speaking on the occasion, Bali Bhagat said that various reformative steps are being taken by the government for making available all necessary sports facilities to the players of the state.Wrestler Yesha Bhatti of Amritsar defeated Wrestler Beniya of J&k Police in the main bout and lifted Final Dangal Title. The winner of main bout was awarded the cash prize of Rs.60,000 while runner up was given cash prize of Rs.40,000.Mr. Bhagat while appreciating the organizers for conducting the competition said that such type of events should be organized frequently especially in rural areas as it would help in nurturing the sports talent of rural youth.The Minister said besides construction of playfields at block and panchayat level the Government has also taken up various mega projects to develop modern sports infrastructure to facilitate the youth. He described sports as best medicines to channelize energies of youth in a right direction.The Dangal Committee also presented mementoes and shawls to the Chief Guest and other Dignitaries on the occasion.