Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs and Technical Education, Imran Raza Ansari, today urged upon the Australian government to initiate Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) in Jammu and Kashmir to further add to the value and credibility of sports in the state.Pertinently, ASOP is Australian Government’s initiative delivered by the Australian Sports Commission that uses sports as a vehicle for community development.The Minister was addressing Australian parliament as member of Australia India Leadership Dialogue (AILD).The Minister also called for lifting travel advisories on Kashmir. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that despite prolonged turmoil, the never say die approach of our people has made us stand proudly among the best states of India. “Sectors such as tourism, horticulture and handicrafts of JK can be counted as best in the world,” he added.Ansari said that youth of Jammu and Kashmir are talented with outstanding skills in various fields like medicine, applied sciences, sports and civil services.
The Minister further said that Australians can be our natural allies especially in the field of sports, technical education and higher education. He sought Australia’s expertise in Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to enhance the skills of J&K youth and collaborate with industry and training sector to develop courses that address the skill shortages.The Minister said that India and Australia have several commonalities, which serve as a foundation for closer cooperation and multifaceted integration. “Both countries are secular and multicultural democracies and love for cricket serves as an important link in our partnership,” he added.The Minister said that recently our two children won gold in Hockey and in Kick Boxing at the international level.The Minister thanked Australian government for inviting youth of the state for participation.