Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology and Technical Education, Moulvi Imran Raza Ansari Friday said that revival of sports and athletic activities in the State is the top most priority of the present Government led by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. He said various new and innovative measures have been initiated in the state to achieve the said goal.The Minister was addressing the inaugural functions of Sheikh –ul-Alam Knock Out Football Tournament being organized by J&K Editors Association and Grass Root festival being organized under the aegis of All India Football Federation and Asian Football Confederation here at synthetic turf at Tourist Reception Centre (TRC).
The Minister lauded the initiatives of Football Association for organizing such an event and urged them to organize such events with regular periodicity. He assured them every possible support from the government for purchasing of sports equipments and services of coaches. “Much time has been wasted during the past regime and our youth could not fully participate in sports activities during that era”, the Minister maintained and opined that the new generation could achieve laurels for themselves and the state in the sports field as Kashmir has a history of producing renowned persons in every sphere of life. He said there is no dearth of talent among youth of the state adding that the need of the hour is to harness the talent.
Mr. Ansari announced that the synthetic turf which was damaged during last September floods, was redeveloped in a short span of time and the stadium is now worth to play football. He announced that lighting system would be installed in the stadium shortly so that evening games could be played in the current summer session.Director General, Youth Services & Sports, Jehangir Mir, ADGP Armed, Mr. S.M. Sahai, Deputy GOC 31 Sub Area Brigadier Vinay Bahal, IGP CRPF Atul Keriwal, Director Radio Kashmir, Humayun Kaisar, members of Sports Council besides senior officers of concerned departments and large number of students representing various schools across valley were present on the occasion.Later, the Minister gave away awards of excellence to Mugais Jahangir for outstanding performance in Global Sports Journalism. The Minister also gave away mementos to young children who participated in the Grass Root festival.