Minister for Education, Culture and Tourism Priya Sethi exhorted upon the youth to develop a sports culture and called for more participation of younger generation in sporting activity.The Minister was speaking during 2nd J&K Taekwondo Association Cup at Brahmin Sabha, here today. The tournament was organized by J&K Taekwondo Association (JKTA).District Jammu outshined others to grab the 1st spot in the competition whereas District Srinagar and District Budgam bagged 2nd and 3rd position respectively.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister praised the organizers for conducting such type of events that will encourage the youth to take up taekwondo.She asked the young generation especially the girls to look towards Taekwondo as a sports option as it teaches the art of defence as well. “It is the only martial art in Olympics and being played in more than 20 countries,” she added.
Highlighting various reformative steps being taken up by the Government, the Minister said that strenuous efforts are being made for providing necessary sports facilities and opportunities to nurture the sports talent in the state and to lay platforms for the state players to play at higher levels, the Minister maintained.Priya said that it is important to channelize the young energies in a right direction and for doing so, sports is a best medium. “Besides improving health and skills, the active participation also helped in developing self-confidence and leading a disciplined life,” the Minister asserted. She urged the parents to encourage their children to participate in extra-curricular activities also. She also interacted with the players and wished them success.Prominent among others who were present on the occasion were President, JKTA, P C Sharma, General Secretary, JKTAD N Pangotra, President, Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, Ved Prakash Sharma, President, NMC, SubhashShastri, Referee Chairman Taekwondo Federation of India, Atul Pangotra, Convener JKTA, Zaheer Abbas besides several prominent sports personalities were present on the occasion.