Former Minister and National Conference Additional General Secretary Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today lauded Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah for announcing Rs 2 crore and job assurance for the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji squad following their magnificent triumph in Hubli, saying the step would serve as a grand motivation for the youth to channelise their energies into productive pursuits. He said while addressing a meeting of office bearers of different wings like Parent Body, Youth Wing, Women Wing, SC Wing, OBC Wing, Ex-Servicemen Wing, Retd Employees Wing, Traders Wing and Legal (Advocates) Wings of the Party from Jammu North Assembly Constituency at Mishriwala, announcement reflects the government’s commitment to encouraging sporting excellence and recognising the hard work and dedication of the players who brought laurels to this part of the country.
“The financial reward and job assurance will go a long way in boosting the morale of sportspersons across Jammu and Kashmir. It sends a clear message that merit and excellence will be honoured,” he said.
Sadhotra described the Ranji victory as a historic milestone and congratulated the team, led by Paras Dogra, for making Jammu and Kashmir proud on the national stage. He said their achievement has inspired the entire region and rekindled hopes among aspiring cricketers.
“The players have displayed remarkable determination, discipline and team spirit. Their success belongs to every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Sadhotra said such encouragement from the government would inspire young boys and girls to take up sports in a big way. He added that greater youth involvement in sports would eventually pave the way for realising the Chief Minister’s vision of a “Nasha Mukht J&K.” “When our youth are actively engaged in sports and constructive activities, they are less likely to fall prey to social evils. Sports can play a transformative rolein building a healthy and vibrant society,” he said.
Sadhotra emphasised that sports are imperative for physical growth and personality development. Games instil discipline, confidence, teamwork and leadership qualities. They help shape well-rounded individuals capable of contributing positively to society, he said. He also said that sports open up vast career opportunities at the state, national and international levels. With proper training, exposure and support, youth can build successful careers in sports and allied fields, he added. Highlighting the rich sporting potential of the region, Mr Sadhotra said Jammu and Kashmir has no dearth of talent. From villages to towns, there are countless young boys and girls with immense potential. What they need is timely identification, systematic training and adequate facilities, he said.
He stressed the need for strengthening sports infrastructure and organizing regular tournaments to provide exposure to budding players. “Talent must be nurtured from the grassroots level so that our sportspersons are prepared for bigger national and international events, he said.
Expressing confidence in the future prospects of the team, Mr Sadhotra said several cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir have the capability to find a place in the national squad if provided sustained support and opportunities. Complimenting the Ranji squad, Sadhotra said their achievement marks the beginning of a new era in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir and sets a benchmark for aspiring athletes.
Others who spoke on the occasion are Ch Subash Chander, Pt Ved Prakash Sharma, Sandeep Singh Manhas, Krishan Lal Charotra, Gourav Singh Jamwal, Mangal Dass, Natha Ram Bhagat, Bansi Lal, Vikram Sharma Ex-Sarpanch, Kulwant Singh, Sham Lal, Bishan Dass, Charan Dass, Subedar Rashpal, Pooja Devi, Rani Devi, Santosh Kumari, Sonu Sharma, Capt Ramesh Chander.
