In a bid to boost sports in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister of Youth and Sports, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari today launched Jammu and Kashmir’s first professional football academy at Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) Srinagar.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that academy was a long pending demand of our dedicated footballers of State. He said that the academy will act as major sports training school and provide players a platform to prepare for national as well as international competitions. Ansari said that overall development of sports culture and initiatives for youth development is prime focus of present government. “This professional atmosphere will groom young athletes to reach new heights for shining at regional, national and international levels,” he added.Initially, the academy will train age group of 13, 15 and 18 and three professional coaches will train these players.The Minister announced Indian footballer Mehrajuddin Wadoo as head of the Academy. “I am sure that under the ace footballer like Wadoo, the emerging talent will scale new heights,” Ansari said. “In fact, it is a moment of celebration for us to serve the game, which is much loved in Kashmir.”“Such initiatives not only make sports a serious endeavour, but also motivate youth to pursue career in it,” the Minister added.
At the end of the event, the Minister directed the officials from sports department to establish grievance cell in the Sports Council Department which will look into the issues pertaining to the sports persons and the measures being taken to redress those.The Minister was accompanied by Health Minister Bali Baghat, Secretary Sports Council, Wahid Rehman Parra, Renedy Singh, Former National Football, Team Captain, various officers and eminent sportspersons were present in the function.Bali Baghat during his speech said that the importance of sports can never be ignored in any society and said the health department is organising different sports in various schools of State in order to promote the health through sports.He said that our youth have recently brought laurels to the State by winning at various national and international events and we have to ensure that they are properly encouraged so that they can continue their winning streaks.Rendey Singh, during the event said that the youth of Kashmir are lucky to have State Football Academy as Many States of the Country are still lacking in the infrastructure needed for promotion of this global sport. He complimented the State government for announcing a football academy for budding footballer so that they can be properly trained.