Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh stressed upon the authorities of the Hockey Jammu and Kashmir to encourage participation of players in the Hockey tournaments adding that adequate facility will be provided from the Government to nurture the talent of the players. This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering of sports lovers at the concluding function of the 4-day long tournament at KK Hakhu Astroturf Hockey stadium, here today.The hockey tournaments was organized by Hockey Jammu and Kashmir under the Presidentship of Kanta Andotra.On the concluding day of 4-day hockey tournament, In Phase-I in the category of women (senior ) of district Jammu match was played between Platinum Club and Sahara Club while in Phase-II in Men's category the match was played between Hiranagar Club and Gole Gujral.
While highlighting the importance of such events for the development of better sports culture in the State , the Minister said that the Government of J&K is committed to take every such step which will boost the sports talent among youth and provide them with the opportunities to showcase their talent at the National and Inter-National levels. He further stated that the Department of Youth Services and Sports is leaving no stone unturned in tapping sports talent in the students and witnessing such seriousness in the field staff of the Department, one can easily foresee a better atmosphere for games and sports in the days to come.“Let’s Play is the best opportunity available to our Students and non-students for showing their talent in the game of hockey,” he said.Choudhary Lal Singh also stated that with the good coordination and help from the Hockey Jammu and Kashmir good results are expected.The Minister congratulated the organizers of the tournament and assured them every possible support in developing the play field, besides providing services of coaches.
President Hockey JK Kanta Andotra while thanking the Department of Youth Services and Sports for showing a serious concern about creating an awareness regarding Games and Sports in the State and assured that every possible help will be provided from Hockey JK for encouraging the talented sports players. She hoped that a good number of Girls and Boys between the age group of 10 to 24 years from all the zones of the state shall take part in the hockey tournaments.She said that Hockey JK is making all out efforts to provide improved infra to the hockey players across the State. While giving the details, she further said that in all the 22 Districts of the State, 56 competitions of boys and 26 matches of girls will be conducted in the hockey championship.Later, the Minister and President Hockey JK also distributed mementos and tracksuits among the winning and runner up teams.