Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology and Technical Education, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, today said that Jammu and Kashmir has a rich history of sports and Government would do every bit to provide all facilities to the budding talent.The Minister was speaking during the inaugural session of a Seminar-cum-Workshop for pioneering programme of Mission XI Million for the FIFA U-17 World Cup at Indoor Stadium here.Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, Sunil Kumar Sharma was also present on the occasion.The Minister said that Government is keen to spot local talent and hone their skills which will match the national and international standards. He said Government is committed to provide the best facilities to the State’s budding sporting talents.“Sports has a unique power to change the minds of the people,” Ansari said. “In a place like Jammu and Kashmir, Sports can build the bridges. It can take the State out of difficult times and our youth can really play their positive role in the development of the State,” he added.Imran Ansari gave a brief sketch about the construction of more sports stadiums across the state, saying that Government will provide every possible help to the upcoming new players that they needed.“We are making surveys across and we will provide Stadiums to every district of the State.
This will not only add to the quality of the sports arena but it will also create conducive atmosphere for the State,” he said.“Chief Minister is very keen and taking interest in putting forwards the talent, potential and experience of sportsperson of the State and get recognition nationally and internationally,” he said. He said in this regard the Sports Department has constituted Football Academy.The Minister said Football is the most popular sport in our State and India is proud host of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 as Prime Minister see this as a turning point, an opportunity to change the culture of Football and sport in this country, as they want to organize the programme in our State especially in Srinagar, that is dream come true. The idea of making indoor stadium at almost every place is for betterment of the sport loving people. “I put efforts to equip the playing fields for the budding talents with the best facilities as they have the potential and talent,” Imran Ansari added.He also asked the parents to encourage your children to play sport and to participate in games as it is equally important as studying other subjects.
He further encouraged the youth attending the function and said the strength will come with determination and a strong will. He also said if youth will work with a strong determination they will become the good citizens. The Minister gave assurances that construction of more stadiums and Government will provide every possible help to the upcoming new players that they needed. He also said that Chief Minister is also very keen and taking interest in putting forward the talent, potential and experience of sportsperson of the State and get recognition Nationally and Internationally. We have already football academy here. “My Game is fair Play” is apt for the betterment of the society as youth is the future of the society that is the Mantra that will lead in to a spirituality in your thinking by which a society can be changed, Minister stressed. He also said enjoy your sports while playing any game.
Minister also urged upon the youth don’t drop your hope easily as we should struggle for our better future as success can be earned by our efforts. Forget your worries, take ball and play. “Jammu and Kashmir has its own history toward sports especially football,” he said. “People in Kashmir go gaga over the game of football as we share a long standing history with the game,” he said.Imran Ansari called the talented sportspersons of the State as a greater strength of the department. “More and more children must come forward and explore themselves in sports,” he said.Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, Sunil Kumar Sharma stressed upon the physical trainers to boost the moral values of the children.He also said youth is the future of our society and for a better tomorrow we need a strong youth with a high moral value. Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Hilal Ahmad Parray, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, Director Youth Services and Sports, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Director FIFA, Joy Bhatacharya, Officials of All India Football Federation and other concerned officials were present during the event.