Srinagar, Apr 10: Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports on Friday, April 9 interacted with athletes, players and coaches from different sports backgrounds and felicitated them on their recent achievements in national and international events.
While felicitating the achievers, Kiren Rijiju appreciated the athletes for bringing laurels to both J&K and the Country, statement issued read.
Union Sports Minister asked the sportspersons to share the anecdotes of their journey so far.
Insha Bashir Para-Olympic gave an emotional gist of her journey into the sports and the support she has received all through from various stakeholders including J&K Sports Council and a special care taken by Kiren Rijiju after her on field mishap, surgery and recovery a year ago.
Cyclist Adil Teli who is in reckoning for Gunnies Book record for his feat of cycling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari this year, beating the previous record was specially invited to share his sojourn between two extremes of the country.
Judo player Kabra Altaf, speaking on the occasion was all praises for the support meted out to the athletes by J&K Sports Council. She also demanded the setting up of Sports Hostels for accommodation of players during the sports events and Training camps.
Another Athlete, Jabeena Akhtar, who has bagged 25 medals at different levels in Wushu requested for full-fledged Sports Policy for J&K.
Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary Youth Services and Sports J&K while addressing the gathering assured that Sports Policy is in pipeline and shall be announced very soon. He also apprised that outstanding sportspersons shall benefit immensely from the policy.
Farooq Khan, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor J&K addressing the athletes as icons, praised them for inspiring the generations to follow. He said, that the footprints of all the achievers gathered here shall act as beacon lights for future champions.
Farooq Khan while stressing on the immense dearth of coaches at school level due to which lot of talent is lost much before it could be tapped requested Central Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports to give a due consideration to the request as J&K athletes are second to none and if provided proper facilities shall make their mark on the Olympic and World Championship events.
Advisor (F) also informed that inputs for J&K’s Sports Policy which is being framed shall also be sought from the sportspersons who are the real stakeholders.
Kiren Rijiju highlighted the role of sports in character building which corresponds with the nation building and also highlighted how sports helps athletes achieve unique feats and help them explore the world besides bringing leading them to disciplined life.
Union Minister promised to set up more training centres in J&K in near future to tap and train the talent of region.