Former Minister and MLA Amirakadal Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has urged the government to go for necessary augmentation of sports infrastructure to scale up availability and accessibility of sporting facilities to talented youth of the State. This was stated by Bukhari as the chief guest at a concluding match of ‘Corporate Football League Tournament’ that took place in girls higher secondary Chanapora ground. The tournament was being organised by the Sports Fraternity Chanapora under the aegis of J&K Football Association.During his speech, the former minister observed that the youth of Kashmir have immense talent in almost every field including sports that needs to be fostered and accorded proper exposure in a helpful environment.Bukhari said the youth in Jammu and Kashmir are being deprived to show their talent due to the non-availability of requisite infrastructure. “The hidden talent of youth needs to get exposed. I believe that if the proper facilities are made available, the youth of Kashmir have the potential to bring laurels not only to the State but the country in all fields especially the sports,” he remarked.He said that the existing stadiums and playfields in Srinagar city need to be improved and developed on modern lines. “
In light of an enormous talent and the eagerness for sports sector, proper sports and recreational infrastructure needs to be established at an earliest,” he demanded.While appreciating the organizers of the tournament, the chief guest assured full support for the maintenance of the ground so that more such events take place without any hiccups. He also encouraged the fraternity to keep on coming up with such initiatives which will always be welcomed and supported on their part.The tournament featured five teams each individually sponsored who played each other over the course of 10-days in this one of a kind tournament and attracted large gatherings even in the holy month of Ramadhan with tremendous spectator support.The final of the tournament was played between Chanapora Cobras and Chanapora Dragons with the latter emerging as winners. On the occasion Bukhari distributed the prizes among all the teams and organisers. Besides other dignitaries, Mohammad Ashraf Dar, PDP Zone President Amirakadal was also present on this occasion. (KNS)