After a gap of over three months, sports activity are back to track in the valley with the inauguration of three day mega event “Khelo Kashmir” 2019-2020 sports event at Sher-e Kashmir Indoor Stadium Srinagar on Tuesday by none other than the top BJP leader and J&K affairs incharge Avinash Rai Khanna.According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the sports event is being organized by Jammu and Kashmir Development Foundation, while as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Vice President Khanna, who is on two day visit to the valley, was the Chief Guest of the event.The sport activity had come to halt in the valley after the centre abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, and bifurcate the region into two separate Union Territories.Speaking on the occasion, BJP’s J&K affairs said that, “It was exciting to see players from valley participating in such an enthusiasm and the youth here in the region have a lot of talent and this is the platform to explore their talent and the platform is being provided by Jammu and Kashmir Development Foundation.”He added that in near future we are going to organize such kind of sports event in every district. Citing the example of Bandipora, the BJP leader said, “There is an immense talent in Bandipora and there is sportsperson in every household there and we will explore that talent so that perform at international level”.He added that both sports and studies are very important and if the parents notice talent in their kids than they themselves will support them to nourish their talent and will accompany them to event like todays.
“In this three day event that have commenced today at Indoor Stadium more than 500 players will take participate and will showcase their talent, which includes both boys and girls of all age group”, Muzzafar Sheikh, a coach said.He added there are local, national and international players who are here for three days and moreover this is the first time that players of mixed martial art are under one roof. While as players from Taek Wando, Kick Boxing, Karate and Tang soodo will perform at Khelo Kashmir. And, also such kind of events are going to take place every year.Muzaffar further said, “Now the sports activity are back, we request higher official to provide winter arrangement facilities to the players, who are taking part here and for future sports event as there are lack of services here at the Indoor Stadium”.“It is good to be back in the stadium after a gap of over three months”, said Mehnaz, a Taek Wando player.Mehnaz added, “I got a call from my coach that I have to participate here at Kashmir Khelo, sports event. And, here I am. It is very important to be in practice for athletes and now we are going to practice hard and prepare ourselves for national and international sports event”.While on the other hand, many participants demanded more stadium and sports infrastructure in the valley.“We have been demanding from very long time that more indoor stadium should be built so that we are able to compete as par with other national and international players. If we are able to produce good players in one indoor stadium, imagine how long will we go if we have better infrastructure and good stadium”, said Iqbal, a kick boxing player. (KNO)