Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Choudhary Zulfkar Ali Wednesday said that state Government is committed to create necessary infrastructure for promotion of sports culture in State. The Minister was addressing sportsmen, parents and organizers at an award distribution function of “Khelo India State Level Taekwonda Championship 2016-17”, where top performing players were felicitated.Mr. Zulfkar Ali said the present dispensation is making every possible effort to develop sports culture in the State, and for this much needed infrastructure has been created at district and block levels.Appreciating the organizers for holding the championship, the Minister said crime against women is increasing across the country, and learning various forms of self defense in such a scenario becomes important.Highlighting the importance of games, the Minister said people should take up any kind of physical sport so that they stay fit, both physically as well as mentally. He said “sound mind resides in sound body,” is an old adage, yet it stands good in any era, including the present one.
Appreciating the parents for attending the felicitation ceremony, the Minister said children look to their parents for appreciation and moral support. He added attending such type of functions in itself is quite rewarding for the children. Seeing their parents watching them at these competitions make the participating children feel important, besides, motivating them to do better next time, the Minister said.The Minister also said that sports act as catalyst to prevent the children from getting lured into various forms of social evils like drug abuse which damage the society.Lauding the state sportspersons, the Minister said J&K has produced some great players and paved the way for development of various sports, especially football and cricket.Earlier, some players mesmerized the audience with their Taekwando skill demonstration.The championship was organized by J&K State Sports Council in collaboration with J&K Taekwando Association (JKTA).President, JKTA P C Sharma, D N Pangotra, General President, President D. B. P Sabha Ved Prakesh Sharma and other important dignitaries attended the function.