In a keenly fought wrestling final contest played at Santra, Pouni Chuk here this afternoon Roshan of Jammu Kashmir Police and Kuldeep Singh of Kote Bhalwal were declared joint winners. Complementing the participants and congratulating the winners, Minister for Labour, Planning and Development Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra exuded confidence that sports would get further impetus in Jammu and Kashmir with adequate infrastructural facilities being created by the government. Speaking at a function, held to give away prizes and trophies to winners and the wrestlers for their distinction, the Minister said that interest being shown by youth in wrestling holds promise for the sport.He said wrestling continues to be a major sports activity in rural and urban areas and people enjoy it like any other sport. “In fact, there is a class of wrestling lovers who keep waiting for the events like the one held today”, Mr Sadhotra said and expressed happiness over large participation of youth in this activity. He said sports assume immense significance, not only to keep the youngsters in good shape physically but also sharpen their mental faculties. He appreciated the organizers for holding the competition and said this will provide an opportunity to the budding wrestlers to benefit from the performance of veterans in the field.
The Minister also referred to numerous initiatives taken by Omar Abdullah led government for upgrading infrastructural facilities across the state, especially in rural areas so that the youth get adequate coaching and avenues in excelling in games of their interest. He said there was no dearth of talent but the need is to identify and sharpen their skills in a professional manner. He hoped that the sports persons of Jammu and Kashmir will participated in high profile events at the national level.Mr Sadhotra exhorted the youngsters to come forward and participate in various sporting events.The event was organized by the Jai Peer Baba Rehmat Shah Ali organization. The function was presided over by Baba Rashpal. In all 60 wrestlers from the neighbouring state of Punjab and the State participated in it.The event was spread in 30 sessions of wrestling. A large number of sports lovers witnessed the wrestling.