Terming sports as vital for overall development of human being, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali has said that participation of J&K youth in national and international events is boosting sports in the state.While opening 3-day 43rd Inter Collegiate Annual Athletic Meet at Sports Stadium of University of Jammu in presence of Vice Chancellor Prof RD Sharma, Minister said that various sportsmen and women like Kickboxing Champion, Tajamul Islam or Chain Singh- the first Olympian Shooter of J&K, have brought laurels for the J&K State and act as role models for the youth to utilize their energy in sports and shine in their fields.Appreciating Jammu University for organising sports events regularly, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said that sports keep the body and mind fit to do productive works and that a sound mind and body always think positive . He called for boosting sports in order to keep youth away from unproductive and meaningless things.
Appealing youth to become anti-drugs crusader, Minister said that youth are attracting towards drugs which is consuming their lives. He said that youth must utilize the time for sports which will benefit their body and mind. He appealed parents to encourage their children in sports so that they do not fall prey to drug mafia.The Minister said that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is keen to develop sports infrastructure in the state and that government is boosting games and empowering sportsmen and women so that youth can be engaged in productive things. He added that Government has already taken various steps for encouraging games and similar such steps are in offing to boost sports. Earlier Vice Chancellor of University of Jammu Prof RD Sharma briefed Minister about the sports and other activities in the University and thanked J&K Government for support in the sports activities and co-curricular activities.On the opening day, various athlete events were organised which include Men’s Heats, Women’s Heats races of different length.Others present on the occasion include Prof Desh Bandhu, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Keshav Sharma Registrar and faculty members of Physical education.