SRINAGAR, AUG 10: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the government’s ₹280-crore investment in the sports sector is only the beginning, assuring sportspersons of continued support through improved infrastructure, professional coaching, advanced training facilities, equipment and financial assistance.
Addressing the Special Cash Award Ceremony held at the SKICC in Srinagar to honour outstanding athletes, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to creating an environment where sportspersons can concentrate on their performance rather than struggle to meet the expenses of coaching, training, equipment and travel.
“This award is just the beginning. We are trying to encourage you, and we will try our best to help you in every way possible,” Omar Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister said the government has a responsibility to support athletes and provide them with the facilities required to compete at higher levels.
He acknowledged that Jammu and Kashmir still has considerable ground to cover in terms of sports infrastructure, particularly in developing synthetic tracks, indoor sporting facilities and international-standard training centres.
Omar Abdullah stressed the need for strengthening sports infrastructure at the district level, so that talented athletes from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir can access quality facilities without having to travel long distances.
Highlighting the geographical advantage of Jammu and Kashmir, he said the region’s high-altitude terrain should be utilised for establishing specialised training centres and promoting high-altitude training for athletes.
The Chief Minister also called for greater attention to emerging and non-cricket sporting disciplines, including martial arts, cycling, mountain biking, BMX, skateboarding, gymnastics and roller sports.
He said athletes in these disciplines have already shown considerable potential and deserve greater institutional support alongside established sports such as cricket.
Referring to the recent achievements of J&K sportspersons in cricket and Mixed Martial Arts, Omar said the government needs to maintain a balanced approach towards both popular and emerging sports.
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of sports in the government’s efforts to keep young people away from drug abuse. He said the fight against drugs cannot be confined to a one-day campaign and requires sustained engagement of youth through sports and other constructive activities.
Omar Abdullah appreciated sportspersons and sporting personalities for supporting the government’s anti-drug and anti-doping campaign, saying efforts would also be taken to extend the initiative to schools to promote clean, fair and drug-free sports.
Congratulating the 580 sportspersons who received cash awards, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the athletes would continue to excel and bring greater recognition to their families, Jammu and Kashmir and the country.
He reiterated that the government would continue working towards strengthening the sports ecosystem and ensuring that talented athletes receive the infrastructure, training, resources and financial backing required to compete at national and international levels. (KNC)
