Sports activities to receive significant enhancement, infrastructure to be modernized to meet international standards: Deputy CM
Nov 15, 2024
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary announced today that the region’s sports activities will receive a significant enhancement, accompanied by an upgrade of sports infrastructure to adhere to world-class standards, aimed at cultivating athletes capable of competing on international stages.
The Deputy Chief Minister delivered these remarks during his address to a large gathering following the inauguration of the inaugural Jammu and Kashmir Master Games multi-sports event at the renowned K.K. Hakku Stadium in Jammu.
Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Master Games Association, this notable event will showcase competitions across 16 sports disciplines, including Football, Hockey, Table Tennis, and Handball, among others.
In his address, Surinder Choudhary highlighted the government’s unwavering support for promoting sports and fitness from the grassroots level. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to establishing world-class infrastructure for athletes throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
“The government is dedicated to nurturing talent, providing enhanced opportunities for our athletes, and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a pivotal hub for sporting excellence within the country,” the Deputy Chief Minister stated emphatically.
He underscored the fact that involvement in sports not only promotes physical health but also instills essential values such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that are crucial for personal development.
The Deputy Chief Minister praised the event organizers for their efforts in putting together this initiative and encouraged them to extend such events to other districts across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Multi-Sports Event is anticipated to span several days, featuring a plethora of matches in 16 different sports disciplines throughout its duration.
The inauguration was attended by notable figures including CEO of Super Master Games and President of Sports Federation of India, Vinod Kumar; Dronacharya awardee and renowned coach, Kuldeep Handoo; former Chief Coach of the Indian Handball Team, J.S. Soodan; and President of the J&K Olympic Association, Asutosh Sharma, along with a large assembly of athletes, sportspersons, and students.
During the opening ceremony of the event, an exciting Hockey match unfolded between Laxmani Chand Master Eleven and Shri Chand Master Eleven, with the latter triumphing with a score of 3-0, setting the tone for a competitive multi-sport celebration.
How does the Deputy Chief Minister plan to address the funding challenges related to enhancing sports infrastructure in Jammu?
**Interview with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary. Thank you for joining us today. You recently announced significant enhancements to sports activities and infrastructure in Jammu. Can you elaborate on what specific improvements you envision?
**Deputy CM Choudhary:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Our plan includes modernizing existing sports facilities to meet international standards. This means better training arenas, updated equipment, and improved coaching staff, all aimed at nurturing local talent that can compete globally.
**Editor:** That sounds promising! You mentioned the recently inaugurated Jammu and Kashmir Master Games event. How do such competitions contribute to your vision for local sports?
**Deputy CM Choudhary:** Events like the Jammu and Kashmir Master Games are crucial. They not only provide a platform for athletes to showcase their skills across 16 disciplines but also encourage community participation in sports, which is essential for fostering a culture of fitness and competition from a young age.
**Editor:** Grassroots development seems to be a key focus. What steps will your administration take to ensure that talented athletes from underprivileged backgrounds have access to these enhanced sports facilities?
**Deputy CM Choudhary:** Absolutely. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all. Alongside infrastructure upgrades, we will implement scholarship programs, sports training camps in rural areas, and partnerships with schools to identify and nurture talent from diverse backgrounds.
**Editor:** As you strive to raise the standards of local sports, what challenges are you anticipating in this journey?
**Deputy CM Choudhary:** Challenges will inevitably arise, particularly in terms of funding and resource allocation. However, we are actively seeking partnerships with private organizations and utilizing government resources effectively to overcome these obstacles. Our aim is to create a sustainable sports ecosystem.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary. It’s exciting to hear about the future of sports in Jammu, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes unfold.
**Deputy CM Choudhary:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can create a vibrant sports culture that puts Jammu on the global map.