Omar promises better sports infrastructure in J&K

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the state Government is keen to upgrade sports facilities in both the urban and rural areas so that sporting talent is harnessed and groomed to the highest standards.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the state Government is keen to upgrade sports facilities in both the urban and rural areas so that sporting talent is harnessed and groomed to the highest standards.

"We intend to develop facilities of international standards at the sports stadia in Srinagar and Jammu and this matter has been discussed with Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley during his recent visit to the valley. We have urged for the liberal Central help in this regard," Omar told reporters here. Omar said while various steps have been taken to create new sports infrastructure, other measures aimed at nurturing youth in different sports is also under active focus of the Government. He said that up to the mark sports facilities and infrastructure is imperative to develop sports and sports persons. "We are devoting fullest attention towards this goal," he said adding that a comprehensive sports policy will also be framed to help catapult sports of all categories holistically. Earlier, at the investiture ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir Sports Awards, the Chief Minister felicitated 20 outstanding sportspersons for participating in the International events and earning medals during the years 2010-11 and 2011-12. Those who were conferred awards and cash prizes including Atul Pangotra, Mohammad Saud Bhat, Brinder Singh Manhas, Arjun Gupta, Kapil Pangotra and Zaheer Abbas Khan (Taekwondo), Ishfaq Hussain and Adil Mohi-ud-Din Bhat (Kayaking and Canoeing), Arjun Gandotra and Devinder Pal Singh (Roller Skating), Phungsog Yangdon, Yasmeena Akhtar and Masooda Akhtar (Skiing), Major Vikram Singh Jamwal (Fencing), Harish Kumar and Preet Dutta (Power Lifting), Arushi Kotwal (Chess), Shaurya Bali (Equestrian) and Arun Singh Charak and Lalit Singh (Wushu). These sportspersons have participated in International events in the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 winning gold, silver, bronze and other medals. Under the Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Award, 10 outstanding sportspersons are awarded for participating in the international competitions in games and sports recognised by International and Asian Sports Federations and Government of India Sports Boards. It carries a cash prize ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per sportsperson besides a certificate and citation at the Investiture Ceremony.