Srinagar, Aug 29 (JKNS): Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma on Thursday participated in the celebrations of National Sports Day held at Srinagar, reaffirming the Government’s commitment towards strengthening the sports ecosystem and providing greater opportunities to young sportspersons across Jammu and Kashmir.
The celebrations were organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, whose exceptional contribution to Indian hockey and sporting excellence continues to inspire generations of athletes. The occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of sportspersons while highlighting the transformative role of sports in the lives of young people.
Speaking on the occasion, Satish Sharma paid rich tributes to Major Dhyan Chand and said that his life and achievements represent the highest ideals of dedication, discipline, perseverance and sporting excellence. He said National Sports Day is not merely a day to celebrate sporting achievements but also an occasion to renew the collective resolve to make sports an integral part of the lives of children and youth.
The Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir has immense sporting potential and a large pool of talented young athletes. He emphasised the need to provide aspiring sportspersons with the right ecosystem, including quality infrastructure, professional coaching, modern training facilities, regular competitions and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
He said the Government is working towards strengthening sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly at the grassroots level, so that sporting facilities and opportunities reach youth in rural, remote and underserved areas. He stressed that talent should be identified at an early age and systematically nurtured through appropriate coaching and training programmes.
Satish Sharma further underscored the importance of strengthening the linkage between schools, colleges, sports clubs and professional sporting institutions to create a sustained talent-development pathway. He said that a coordinated approach among various stakeholders would help in ensuring that promising athletes receive continuous support and are able to progress from grassroots competitions to district, UT, national and international levels.
Highlighting the wider social significance of sports, the Minister said that participation in sports promotes discipline, leadership, teamwork, confidence and a healthy lifestyle among youth. He observed that sports can also play an important role in providing constructive avenues to young people and fostering a sense of achievement, belonging and social responsibility.
He called upon young sportspersons to remain committed to their goals and make full use of the opportunities being created for them. He also encouraged parents, teachers, coaches and sports administrators to actively support children who demonstrate sporting aptitude and ensure that talent is not lost due to lack of guidance or opportunities.
Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, besides other senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department and J&K Sports Council, also participated in the National Sports Day celebrations.
The Minister interacted with sportspersons, coaches, officials and young athletes during the programme and took feedback regarding the sporting facilities and requirements at the grassroots level. He appreciated the contribution of coaches, sports officials and athletes in promoting sporting activities across Jammu and Kashmir.
Satish Sharma said that the Government will continue to work towards creating an enabling environment where the passion and potential of the youth can be translated into sporting excellence. He expressed confidence that with sustained support, improved infrastructure and dedicated efforts at the grassroots level, Jammu and Kashmir can emerge as a major hub of sporting talent in the country. (JKNS)
