Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga today said budding sports talent needs to be identified and provided focused training so that they can compete with their counterparts at the national and international levels.Ganga was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the 43rd State Badminton Championship organized by Jammu and Kashmir Badminton Association at Police Badminton Hall, Gulshan Ground here today.The Minister said sports are the best medium to channelize the energy of youth in the right direction. He said there is no dearth of sports talent in the state and need of the hour is to explore and nurture this talent with dedication so that budding talent of the state gets the opportunity to excel in the national and international sports arena.
He urged upon the youth to take part in sports along with academics to maintain their physical health and all round development and to safeguard themselves from the menace of drugs and other social evils.Later, the Minister distributed prizes among the winners and participating players.In under-10 (Boys Singles), Shouray emerged winner and in Under-10 (Girls Singles), Snowy came out as winner. Under-13 (Boys Singles), title went to Aesh Goswami while Under-13 Girls Singles went to Sudiksha.Puranjay emerged winner in Under-15 (Boys Singles) while in U-15 (Girls Single) went toNaman. Girls Doubles for the same age group went to Rashmi and Bhavini and boys doubles went to Hakim and puranjay.U-17 Singles went to Mohit Choudhari and Niteshi in the boys and girls categories respwhile in Under-17 (Boys Doubles) went to Savinay and Mohit. Naman and Peehushiw won the girls doubles U-17.Divum Gupta took the Under-19 (Boys Singles) title while Niteshitook the Under-19 (Girls Singles) title.Keerat Preet Kour won the Women Singles Title whereas Men Singles title was won by Divum Gupta.For finale in Men Doubles, title went to Sunil and Raghav whereas Preeti Gupta and Niteshi Saini secured the Women Doubles title.