A total of 2,23,197 youth participated in 268 sports events across the Kashmir Division under different sports programmes.This was informed in a meeting which was chaired by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Chairman of all District Level Task Force (DLTF) committees Baseer Ahmad Khan to review the performance of DLTF committees which are constituted for youth engagement and status of construction of Play Fields.All District Development Commissioners and heads of DLTF committees presented the performance of DLTF in their respective districts.It was informed that in Anantnag district, 24583 youth participated in 24 different sports events, similarly in Kulgam 21,000 in 25 events, in Shopian 11,000 in 40 events, in Pulwama 30,326 in 32 events, in Ganderbal 9,000 in 26 events, in Bandipora 14,007 in 16 events, in Kupwara 25,000 in 26 events, in Baramulla 21,881 in 25 events, in Budgam 40,000 in 14 events, in Srinagar 9,000 in 12 events and in Kargil district 17,400 youth participated in 28 sports events. A total of 2,23,197 youth participated in 268 sports events across the Kashmir Division including Kargil district under different sports programmes.The meeting was also informed that 4500 kits and uniforms will be distributed among the players besides felicitation of awards, medals and trophies. In district Srinagar 17 Astro Turf mats had been laid in Higher Secondary institutions which include 7 for basketball, 6 for volley ball and one for badminton in an effort to provide international standard facilities for the youth. Construction of 503 play-fields have been taken up in which 265 are ready for logical use. Sports Stadiums are under construction in every district at a cost of Rs 4 crores.
It was further informed, from 11 October JK Sports Council will organize District and State level competitions of different sports events under Khelo India programme in which more than 30,000 youth will participate.The Divisional Commissioner directed all DDCs to expedite the construction work in under construction playfields and stadiums on priority basis besides start sports activities in 265 stadiums immediately. Involve renowned players of every district as a Brand Ambassador of youth activities which can be presented as a role model to the new players, he further said.For the mass participation of youth, Div Com asked JK Sports Council to share sports calendar with concerned DDCs.He asked all DDCs to involve more youth in extracurricular activities like cultural programmes, painting, photography, singing competitions, seminars, debates, educational tours, awareness programmes, volunteer services etc, making green clubs, coaching clubs, skill development, career counselling and other youth related activities. so that their energies could be better harnessed for constructive engagement. DDCs will also select youth in their respective districts for Bharat Darshan tour.All DLTF committees were asked to send their holistic youth engagement plan to the divisional commissioner office within three days for necessary course of action.The Div Com stressed for optimal use of funds and the resources available for the benefit for youth of the valley including Leh and Kargil.The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir asked all concerned officers to work with close coordination so that youth engagement programmes become a big success across the valley as well as in Ladakh region.Divisional Sports Officer JK Sports Council, Joint Director Youth Services and Sports, Executive Engineer JK Sports Council, Assistant Commissioner and other concerned officials were present in the meeting whereas all District Development Commissioners of the Kashmir Division including Kargil participated the meeting through video conferencing.