Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma on Sunday emphasized the need for encouraging extra-curricular activities in the State and nurturing the talent in this field from the early age. This was stated by the Minister as a chief guest at Competition organized by the Singh Cricket Club Akhnoor. Renowned player Sudarshan Mehta was guest of honour on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sham praised the organizers for conducting such type of event which will help the to further improve their talent. These events also help in promoting friendly relationship among the people of different cultures and traditions. He hoped that Singh Cricket Club will continue such type of efforts to encourage the sports talent in the area. He said stadiums will be developed with all modern facilities in Akhnoor to promote the local talent in Akhnoor.
The Minister highlighted various reformative steps being taken up by the government in making available all necessary sports facilities to players of the State especially those living in rural areas. He said that the government is also initiating various measures to promote rural conventional sports of the State.The Minister said that peace is imperative for development and every citizen particularly youth of the State is equal share holder in peace and development process. He said government is determined to carry forward development to every areas adding that peaceful atmosphere is necessary to accomplish stupendous task. Mr Sham said besides construction of play fields at block and panchayat level under PYKKA, the Government has also taken up various mega projects to develop modern sports infrastructure to facilitate the youth.
He described sports as best mediums to channelize energies of men in a right direction. On the occasion, Mr. Sham honoured the winner and runnerup cricket teams. He gave prize and trophies to both the teams. He also donated 2 cricket kits and cash prize to winner and runnerup teams. As many as 8 teams participated in this 10 days cricket tournament of Akhnoor Zone. The Final match was played between Singh Cricket Club and Adresh Cricket Club and Singh cricket club won the match. Earlier, Mr. Sham paid obeisance at Baba Ballo Shrine at Mathwar on the eve of Raksha Bandhan. He prayed for peace and prosperity and wished that the occasion be the harbinger for all round development in the State. He also hoped that this holy occasion would strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity. (KNS)