Omar for early resolution of Olympic row

Jammu: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday expressed the hope that Union Sports Ministry and IOA will take urgent steps to resolve the issue with International Olympic Council (IOC) so that sportspersons are able to take part under national flag.

"We express hope that Indian Sports Ministry and IOA will take urgent steps to resolve the issue with IOC so that Indian Sportsperson could take part in the international events under Indian banner," Omar said while addressing the hockey players of various states arrived here for taking part in 61st All India Police Hockey Championship here. Declaring open 61st All India Police Hockey Championship here late this afternoon, Omar said that players take pride to march at international events under their National Flag. "They are enthusiastic to represent their country and bring laurels to it," he said and emphasized the need for early resolution of the row between IOA and IOC. Omar welcomed the J&K Police Department for holding the All India Police Hockey Championship here and said that during past some years J&K State has been able to organize about a dozen national sports events in the State which is highly encouraging sign for the development of sports and showcasing conducive conditions prevailing in the State for organizing such events more often. Omar stressed on working out befitting strategy to restore the glory India possessed in the field of hockey. Chief Minister, who is also President of Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council said that State Government is paying full attention to the development and growth of sports and sportsperson. He said that various measures have been taken to nurture talent and provide infrastructure for playing different games in the State at various levels. The CM said that participation in sports not only inculcates discipline and zest to achieve goals in youth but helps them develop holistically. He said that participation in different sports is imperative for the human resource development. He said sports also provide opportunity to the players to make friends and understand different cultures at the national and international levels. Welcoming the participants of 61st All India Police Hockey Championship, Omar said that the players would witness the friendly atmosphere and hospitality of Jammu and Kashmir during their stay here. He expressed the hope that the players from various states of the country taking part in the tournament would narrate their good experience and showcase Jammu and Kashmir`s conducive atmosphere and potential for holding different national sports events, in their home states. Director General Police, Ashok Prasad in his welcome address gave details of the tournament and presented resume of the efforts Jammu and Kashmir Police Department is putting in to encourage sportsperson and develop sports in the State. Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, K. Rajindra presented vote of thanks on the occasion. As many as 23 teams from various states and police forces are participating in the Championship which started today and will conclude on December 14, 2012. PTI