Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar today remarked that the present LG led administration has given utmost priority to sports sector and infrastructure of international and advanced standards is being established across Jammu and Kashmir to nurture the sports talent of youth.
The Advisor made these comments while flagging off the Jammu and Kashmir contingent for the 36th National Games to be held at Gujarat from 29th September to 12th October, 2022.
Speaking during the flagging off ceremony, Advisor Bhatnagar highlighted that National Games is one of the prestigious and major event of our National Sports Calendar and forms the core platform for sportspersons to prove their talent for international events.
The Advisor added that as many as 36 disciplines are being covered during the National Games and we are sure that our talented sports persons will perform well and bring laurels for J&K and make us proud.
Highlighting about the development of sports infrastructure, Advisor Bhatnagar said that LG, Shri Manoj Sinha is taking personal interests in development of sports here and we are making all efforts to raise sports infrastructure and facilities of international standards. He asked the players to take due advantage of these facilities for excelling in their respective sporting fields.
Sharing his vision, Advisor Bhatnagar said, ‘we aim to make J&K home to athletes of the highest calibre, across a variety of sporting disciplines, and a preferred destination for organising national and international sporting events in near future’.
While assuring support to sporting community, the Advisor said that under My Youth My Pride, around 35 lakh youth are aimed to be engaged in sports activities and we aim to provide the best coaching to our sportspersons.
Advisor Bhatnagar also highlighted the role of sports associations in fostering the growth of sports and sporting talent across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Advisor on the occasion also extended wishes to the departing contingent on behalf of the LG, Shri Manoj Sinha and said that we are trying to make J&K a power house of sports. ‘Our objective is that more players should qualify and participate in National level events’, Advisor Bhatnagar said
After the flagging off ceremony, Advisor Bhatnagar also interacted with players and encouraged them to compete with utmost enthusiasm and determination and give their best ever performance.
Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, on the occasion said that in last National Games, the J&K contingent won four silver and eight bronze medals and this year our players are better prepared and eventually we are hoping for more medals this time.
The Secretary added that as many as 14 contingents are taking part this year from Jammu and Kashmir and as per our new guidelines, cash awards will also be given to the medallists under new Sports Policy.
Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Chander Mohan Gupta; Jammu Zone ADGP, Mukesh Singh; Director Youth Services and Sports, Subhash Chibber and various members of sports associations and officials of sports bodies were also present on the occasion.