Minister for Youth Services & Sports and Medical Education, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, on Saturday said that State Government has devised an action plan under which every block would be provided one sports complex and a sports field in each Panchayat.The Minister was speaking after laying foundation stone of a multipurpose Indoor Sports complex here at Udhampur being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.34 crore.The Minister said that the complex is targeted to be completed within a period of nine months and will have facilities comprising multipurpose sports hall, pantry, lavatory block, sitting tiers, store room, office block etc.Taj said government intends to upgrade and expand sports infrastructure in the state. He asked the local MLA to identify land for development of sports fields which would help encourage sports activities among youth.
The Minister said that the youth of the district have tremendous potential to participate in every kind of sports activity but there is dire need to explore their talent by way of extending various hi-tech facilities at par with other states of the country.MLA Udhampur, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports and Technical Education, Parveez Malik, District Development Commissioner, Yasha Mudgal, Secretary J&K Sports Council, Dalip Thusu, Senior Superintendent of Police, Anil Mangotra, pisional Sports Officer J&K Sports Council Jammu, Rajan Sharma, Engineers of Sports Council and senior officers were present on the occasion.Mankotia complimented the Minister for developing a indoor sports facility in the district. He asked for restoration of construction work of pavilion being constructed in the premises of sports stadium.MLA demanded construction of another national level sports stadium in the district near Tikri where the land is available.
Later, the Minister convened a meeting to discuss the sports related issues.District Development Commissioner, apprised the meeting of various problems and demands related to promotion of sports infrastructure in the district. She highlighted the issues like construction of separate girls toilet block and changing room, appointment of chowkidar, installation of flood lights at mini stadium, synthetic flooring at Badminton Court of Mini Stadium, provision of table tennis tables, jogging track at sports stadium.Meanwhile, a deputation of sports lovers of the district headed by Ex- councilor, Ashwani Khajuria also put forth various demands regarding development of a better sports culture in the district.Taj instructed the officers of Sports Council to look into the issues raised during the meeting for necessary action.