Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services & Sports, Taj Mohi ud Din has asked youth to take keen interest in handball in which the State has excelled in the past and holds a good future ahead.Addressing the inaugural function of Ist All India Prahlad Bali Handball tournament here this afternoon, the Minister said Jammu & Kashmir has so far given the country fifty national players, including four captains. He asked youth not to lose interest in the game and play it with as seriousness as has been the specialty of J&K players.
Taj said the Government is strengthening sports infrastructure in the State and a network of stadia and sports fields is being laid at the block and panchayat levels. He said he has requested the Centre for more funds to J&K in order to further give boost to sports activities in J&K.Twelve teams including those from J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Air Force, Army, UP, Madhya Pradesh etc are participating in the tournament.The inaugural match of the tournament was played between J&K and Air Force teams.Members of J&K Handball Association, Sports Council Member, Vijay Gupta, and scores of handball lovers were present on the occasion.