Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi today emphasized on encouraging youth participation in sports to channelize their energies in a right direction besides strengthening state’s position in sports excellence.The Minister stated this while addressing the gathering at the 2nd Federation Cup organized by Youth Talent Search Federation of India (YTSFI) at M.A Stadium here today.The Minister said that the government is determined to recognize local talent and provide them with a platform so that they can showcase their talent at higher level. Stressing on the need to encourage youth to take up sports, she said that sports are essential for developing leadership qualities, team spirit and discipline besides for helping youth healthy lifestyles.Priya stressed on inclusion of sports activities in curriculum of every education institution.The Minister appreciated the organizers for providing young sportsmen from various States a platform to display their talent and skills through more than 15 games including Kabaddi, KhoKho, Athletics, Long jump.“More such sporting events seeing participation from individuals from all over the country shall be organized in J&K”, the Minister maintained.Priya also asked the sportspersons present for the tournament hailing from other states to be peace ambassadors for J&K and portray its right image to the rest of the nation. Encouraging the participants to take up this opportunity to experience the region and visiting tourists’ destinations, she said that the tourism department will support and assist participants here in their visits to various tourists and pilgrim places to make their visit a memorable one.
Highlighting government’s initiatives, the Minister said that the present dispensation is making committed efforts to develop adequate sports infrastructure and has taken several revolutionary measures to improve the sports facilities and providing the apt opportunities to nurture the sports talent in the State.Referring to Centre Government’s flagship programs, the Minister said that the Prime Minister has initiated the prestigious programme like Khelo India for promotion and development of sports across the country.The Minister also assured that the government will provide every possible support to every organization or individual who is working with a vision to pave a solid foundation for budding sports stars.Priya also interacted with the players and wished them a greater success.President, Athletic Association, J&K, Suneel Mahajan, Divisonal Sports Officer, Ravi Singh, Manager, Stadium, Ashok Singh, President, YTSFI, Adv. Mukesh Powaria, General Secretary, YTSFI, Satveer Thakur besides Coaches, trainers and prominent sports personalities were present on the occasion.