Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga and Minister for Health and Medical Education Bali Bhagat today called for promotion of rural sports to encourage the players of the state especially those living in rural and far off pockets.This was stated by the dignitaries during Dangal competition held at Mathwar.During the competition, the wrestlers from various states like Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir locked horns against each other in 40 fights.Speaking on the occasion, the Speaker highlighted various initiatives being taken up by the Government for providing all requisite facilities to the players living in rural areas and far pockets. He said that the Government is making concentrated efforts for developing sports infrastructure in the state with special emphasis on traditional sports in the state. He wished great success to the players and asked the youth to take up sports to lead a healthy life.Praising the organizers for conducting such type of events which immensely help the state wrestlers, Ganga said that initiative will provide an opportunity to the budding players to showcase their talent.
He said that participation of wrestlers from outside the state in such competitions will provide exposure to the local wrestlers. He said that these events help in promoting friendly relationship among the people of different culture and traditions.Exhorting upon the youth to take up sports for their mental and physical health, Bali Bhagat said that the sports activities help in keeping the youth away from the drugs addiction and various other social evils in the society. Besides health, the sports also develop a sense of team spirit, responsibility, discipline and patriotism among the players, the Minister added. He asked the organizers to continue such type of efforts to lay platform for the local wrestlers.The dignitaries distributed cash prizes and mementoes among the winning wrestlers.Meanwhile, the organizers gave mementoes to the dignitaries and other guests on the occasion.Commandant General, Home Guards Civil Defence & SDRF Dilbag Singh, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, SDM North Mohammad Alyas Khan, Mahant Yashpal Sharma besides Dangal Committee members were present on the occasion.