Action plan for sports in J&K finalised: Maken

Jammu: Union Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Friday said that the government has finalised the first phase of action plan for promoting sports as a primary activity for youth in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to the media persons here, Maken informed that the plan envisages infrastructure creation for promotion of football, hockey, archery, winter and adventure sports at a cost of Rs 28.60 crore in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh regions. Emphasising that sports is one of the most effective ways of channelising the energy of the youth, Maken said, "It could go a long way in shaping the aspirations of the youngsters in a constructive manner."The minister, who also inaugurated the Junior Indian National Wrestling tournament here, organised by the Wrestling Federation of India, said that this was his third visit to the State after taking charge of the Ministry. Maken said the Sports Ministry will be placing a dedicated Project Officer for the implementation of the entire plan and this would be over and above the activities being funded by the Ministry under the flagship PYKKA program.List of measures to be taken under action plan: Three synthetic football turfs, One synthetic hockey turf at Baramula in the valley, 12 Archery centres (four each in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh), Water sports facility in Sri Nagar, Winter sports facility in Gulmarg and Adventure sports facility in Gulmarg. PTI