Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Choudhary Lal Singh today stressed on the pivotal role of sports in channelizing the energy of youth in the positive direction besides keeping them physically and mentally fit, adding that the Government is making all out efforts to promote sports activities in every nook and corner of the State.The Minister was speaking at the concluding day function of 6-day long Udaan CAPF under 19 Football Hunt Tournament-2017 organised by Sashatra Seema Bal 66 Bn Jammu in the sports stadium of Delhi Public School Rajbagh, here today.Director Social Forestry, Ashwani Gupta, Assistant Commissioner Development, Rajiv Khajuria, member SC Welfare and Development Advisory Board, Karan Kumar, Commandant Samarak Chetna Abhiyan, Ajay Kumar, Principal DPS, Nirmal Mahanama besides locals, students of both the schools and staff members were present on the occasion.Addressing the gathering, Choudhary Lal Singh said that sports are imperative for overall personality development of youth as it helps in inculcating discipline among them. He said that the Government is endeavoring to create adequate sports infrastructure to provide youth an opportunity to excel in their respective fields.The Minister informed that sports stadiums are being constructed at district and block levels to provide necessary sports facilities to the youth. He asked the youth to come forward and participate in competitions being held at various levels in the State from time to time.
Choudhary Lal Singh stressed upon parents and teachers to imbibe liking for sports among the youth so that they can grow into physically and mentally strong citizens and contribute in the development of state and the nation.The Minister observed that there is tremendous sports talent among the boys and girls of the State and hoped that with the availability of improved facilities, they will excel in all sports and games. He said that if their talent is nurtured and adequately groomed, there shall be no reason why many of them shall not make it to the national teams in all sports disciplines in coming years. He said that time has come for the youth of J&K to demonstrate their talents and bring laurels to the State in the various sports events at the national and international levels.Choudhary Lal Singh congratulated the DPS Rajbagh team on winning the final match played against Jyoti Public Higher Secondary School, Channi Mareen.In his address, Commandant Sashatra Seema Bal 66 Bn Jammu, Ajay Kumar said that sports inculcate the sense of sportsmanship and discipline amongst the youth and urged parents to encourage their children to take part in the sports activities. He said Government has taken several initiatives to promote the sport activities, especially in the rural and far-off areas of the State to involve youth in the sport activities. On the occasion, Commandant Sashatra Seema Bal 66 Bn Jammu also announced Rs. 20,000/- for winning team and Rs. 15000/- for runners up team. Later, the Minister also distributed prizes among the winners.