District Development Commissioner Shopian, Gazanfar Ali today said that sports play a decisive role in character building of a person and youth must take up sports to lead a healthy and disciplined life.DDC made these remarks during the second phase of football tournament under the banner of ‘Let’s Play football’ sponsored by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports GoI for students both Boys and Girls for the age groups of 6-12, 13-16 and 17-19 under Khelo India scheme organised by Youth Services and Sports Department Shopian concludes here in Shopian.Speaking on the occasion, the DDC said that the sports not only leads to better health but also builds character, promotes team spirit among the youth and guides them towards a disciplined life.Emphasizing on nurturing sports talent at the very beginning, the DDC called for promoting sports culture in schools and further stressed on organizing more such sports events along the lines of talent hunt contests to pave platform for the local players to display their talent and encourage them to play at the national and international level.Stressing on the necessity of developing sports infrastructure in the state, the DDC highlighted several initiatives taken by the government to strengthen JK’s sports structure. He said that government has taken concerted measures to provide necessary sports facilities and opportunities to nurture the sports talent in the State.The DDC said that there is a need to put up collective efforts on the part of the government, senior players, parents, teachers and sports organizations to enhance the sports scenario in the state. “Football is a popular sport in the J&K and with the teams from outside the State to participate in the tournament will act as a encouraging factor for the local players and inculcate a sense of great competitiveness among them “, the DDC affirmed.Chief Education Officer, District Youth Sports Officer, Shopian, Zonal Physical Education Officers, along with veteran football players and prominent citizens from all walks of life were also present on the occasion.Later the DDC distributes momentous among the winners.