Secretary, Youth Services and Sports (YSS) and Tourism departments, Sarmad Hafeez, today convened a meeting to review preparedness and participation of J&K contingents in the 36th National games to be held in Gujrat later this month.
Addressing the representatives of sports associations of different games, Sarmad Hafeez said, “this review meeting has been called to crosscheck our preparations and take note of all possible steps need to be taken to mitigate the concerns of teams and athletes before the prestigious event.
Secretary directed the representatives of the associations to ensure proper selection trials before the departure of contingents to the prestigious event in a transparent manner. He assured that the Sports Council would provide best facilities to athletes under norms to boost their morale and achieve desired results.
Sarmad Hafeez apprised the representatives that the Lieutenant Governor is keen to see J&K athletes in action in the “36th National Games” and that he has specifically stressed enhancing the participation of J&K athletes in future events.
Representatives from the associations, while presenting a brief report on their respective teams as well as athletes, informed that various coaching and training camps in the disciplines of Archery Athletics, Cycling, Fencing, Gymnastics, Handball, Judo, Rowing, Shooting, Roller-skating, Wushu and Wrestling, to name a few, are currently being held in both Jammu and Srinagar as well as outside the union territory. They added that progress of each athlete is being closely monitored by the coaches and specialists before participation in the national event.
The representatives also assured that each association is duty bound to ensure smooth deployment of athletes to the event. They expressed hope that the J&K contingent will not only put up a decent show but will bag medals and bring laurels to the union territory.
Responding to the series of observations, Secretary assured that all possible help will be extended to the athletes so that they focus on their performances in the event.
Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, while speaking on the occasion, apprised that funds for conducting special coaching camps and departure of team J&K to the venue have already been released and the same shall reach stakeholders through direct benefit transfer mode to ensure transparency.
Nuzhat Gull said, that a proper ceremonial dress, customized tracksuits along with other gear and equipments shall be provided to the athletes and officials for participation in the national games.
Others who attended the meeting included Ranjit Kalra and Rajeev Sharma members of J&K Sports Council, Joint Secretary, Divisional Sports Officers, General Secretary, J&K Amateur Athletics Association, Senior Vice-President Archery Association of J&K, General Secretary Cycling Association, member J&K Amateur Fencing Association, General Secretary J&K Gymnastics Association, representative of J&K Handball Association, General Secretary, J&K Judo Association, representative J&K Rifle Association and General Secretary Wrestling Association J&K.
Besides, Dronacharya Awardee, Kuldeep Handoo, Dr. Akbar Khan, member of Sports Council, Shafqat Ahmad Watali, General Secretary J&K Water Sports Kayaking and Canoeing Association and CEO of J&K Wushu Association were also present.
