Union Secretary of Sports, Rajiv Yadav, today arrived in Srinagar to review the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Special Sports Package (PMSSP) of Rs. 200 crore for the State.The Secretary accompanied by Joint Secretary (Development), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Director Sports Authority of India (SIA), and other SIA officials visited Bakshi Stadium, Indoor Statium, TRC Astro Turf Stadium and Polo Ground in Srinagar.With Bakshi Stadium to be upgraded to international standards under the package, the Union Secretary undertook an extensive tour of the stadium and held exhaustive deliberations regarding its upgradation, discussing various aspects, including extension and raising of the playing ground, advanced system of drainage within the stadium, upgrading and extension of spectator seating capacity and modern building design with retention of its heritage looks.The Secretary later visited the Indoor Stadium, where he directed renovation of flooring, replacement of glasses with panels, revamping of drainage system within the stadium, replacement of old with new central heating system, upgrading of acoustics, setting up of commentary and electronic and digital scoreboards and display, and fencing around the stadium.
He also directed setting up locker-room facilities within the stadium.He also directed overhead bridges between the Bakshi and Indoor Stadiums.Mr. Yadav later visited the TRC Astro Turf Stadium, Polo, Hockey and Football Grounds. Being informed that the Hockey Ground was not included in the package, he gave on-spot directions for its inclusion therein.He said that while multi-purpose stadiums will be constructed in all the districts of the State, a special programme called ‘Sports for AII’ is being implemented through J&K Sports Council, which provides for village level competitions, development of popular sports in the State. He added an amount of Rs 5 crore has already been provided to J&K State Sports Council for organizing these village level sporting activities.The Secretary also said that the SIA is keen on preparing a local coaching team from Kashmir.Secretary Youth Services and Sports J&K Govt, Hilal Ahmad Parray, OSD J&K Sports Council, and other senior officers of the Council accompanied the Union delegation during the review inspection.