Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi stressed on the need of encouraging rural sports like Kabaddi in state’s sports structure which has good potential and scope in Jammu and Kashmir.The Minister was speaking during the inaugural ceremony of Junior District Kabaddi Championship-2018, Jammu organized by Jammu District Kabaddi Association (JDKA) at Green Field Ground.A total of 35 teams of boys and girls from Jammu district are participating in the tournament.President, J&K Amateur Kabaddi Association (JKAKA), Anil Gupta presided over the function whereas Former Director, Youth Services & Sports, Asgar Ali was the guest of honor.The Minister appreciated the organizers for providing a platform to the local talent especially the female players to display their ability and encourage them to compete at higher level.Kabaddi, a game considered as rural sports, has made its mark globally with several countries hooked to this form of sports, the Minister maintained and called for more participation of younger generation in Kabaddi and other rural sports to strengthen the foundation of sports at grass root level.Government is making concerted efforts for the growth of rural sports; the Minister said adding that a gradual transformation can be witnessed towards the development of sports scenario in the state.
Priya said that besides providing resources to pave the way for aspiring sportspersons from the state, the government is also creating opportunities to make sports development in the state more inclusive. She asked the sports authorities to initiate more sporting activities especially in rural areas across the state to nurture the local sports talent.The Minister highlighted Khelo India scheme launched by the centre government with a vision to infuse sports culture and achieve sporting excellence throughout the country. Every year 1, 0000 athletes will be supported annually under the scheme through talent identification and development in priority sports disciples for a period of 8 years, she added.The Minister said that the Prime Minister has also initiated development of sports stadium at rural block level to strengthen the sports infrastructure in rural areas.“Such initiatives will facilitate the development and promotion of Indian sports, particularly rural sports”, she added.More such events shall be organized with an aim to impart the spirit of sportsmanship and liking towards sports among children, she added.Prominent among others present on the occasion were, Director, Competition, Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, Secretary, JDKA, Dinesh Gupta, Organizing Secretary, (JDKA) , Anil Modi, Gen. Secretary, JKAKA, Surinder Mohan Gupta, Observer, JKAKA, Sandeep Singh, besides senior political leaders, Baldev Baloria, Vinay Gupta, Monika Khosla and Shailja Gupta along with senior Kabaddi players, coaches, trainers and other sports personalities.