Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology and Technical Education, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari Wednesday said that concerted efforts are being made to give fillip to sports and athletic activities in the state.The Minister was addressing an investiture ceremony for presentation of cash rewards to medalists of 34th and 35th National Games, here.The Minister was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Additional Director General (Armed), S.M. Sahai was the guest of honor. Secretary Sports Council, Javaid Ahmed Shah, Director General Youth Services and Sports, Joint Secretaries, Members of Sports Council, Medalists and large number of sports lovers were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ansari said that a comprehensive plan has been formulated to develop sports infrastructure in the state and hoped that sports shall gain momentum and achieve new heights in days to come.Mr. Ansari said that it was a matter of great satisfaction that we are celebrating the success of our medal winners who have brought laurels to the state by proving their mettle in National Games held at Jharkhand and Kerela.The Minister said that sports have been given top priority by the present dispensation headed by Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who is also the President of Sports Council. He further said that Government of India has announced Rs 200 Crore for development and improvement of sports infrastructure in the state.
Mr. Ansari said that Government is also in process of formulating new sports policy for which series of meetings have been held with the Union Ministry.With regard to enhancement of cash awards that are given to sports achievers, Mr. Ansari said that a committee headed by DG, YSS has been constituted for giving recommendations. He also informed that enhancement of cash prize to National Games medal winners has been recommended to be increased to Rs 5 Lakh for Gold, Rs 3 lakh for Silver and Rs 2 Lakh for Bronze medal winner.The Minister said that there is no dearth of talent in our state and hoped that players of Jammu and Kashmir State achieve new heights with each passing day and added that our sports persons are doing well at national and international level.Earlier the Minister gave away cash prizes amounting to Rs 8 lakh Six Thousand among medal winners and coaches of Gymnastic, weightlifting, Boxing, Kayaking & Canoeing and Wushu.