Srinagar, 15th July 2023: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today inaugurated the Gymnasium and Weightlifting Hall in Bakshi Stadium Srinagar.
In a function held late in the evening here today, Dr. Mehta was received by Secretary of Youth Services and Sports Sarmad Hafeez, Additional Secretary YSS Waseem Raja, and Secretary Sports Council Nuzhat Gull besides other officers from the police and civil administration were also present on the occasion.
While inaugurating the Gymnasium and Weightlifting Hall, Chief Secretary was briefed about the history of the game in the J&K by the renowned bodybuilder and Manager Bakshi Stadium Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar.
Dr Mehta on the occasion also interacted with the kids of the Sports Council Football school and players from different football clubs.
While interacting with the former international players of J&K Arun Malhotra and Ishfaq Ahmad, the Chief Secretary sought feedback on how the game of Football can be improved in J&K and the team finishes at the top in Santosh Trophy. The duo informed Dr. Mehta that the camp for the U-16 National team for SAFF games shall be held in J&K and many former and current international players will visit the campers to motivate them and they may also visit our training centers thus providing a great opportunity to our future football stars.
The Chief Secretary remarked that the government has created world-class infrastructure in J&K during the past few years and that sport is the priority of the government and a lot of resources have been earmarked for uplifting sports in J&K.
Dr Mehta enjoined the other Footballers present on the occasion to give feedback to the government through the Sports Council enabling them to do whatever is possible to make J&K the thriving sports hub besides advising them to utilize the facilities created for the benefit of the youth of J&K.
In response to the demand for residential facilities for Football, Dr. Mehta said that the LG administration is going to provide every sort of infrastructure and facility to sports lovers so that they can grow and excel in sports.
Dr. Mehta also stated that youth can now enjoy sports activities till late hours as stadia in almost all districts are provided with flood lights. Stating that the culture of sports activities is taking root in J&K, Dr Mehta said that every person young or old is encouraged to take up sports to channel their energy towards better and healthy activities.
Earlier, the kids from the Taekwondo School of Sports Council gave a demonstration of the skills they have learned thus far which left the audience spellbound.
Dr. Mehta also interacted with the trainees of the cricket academy and sought feedback about the training and cricket activities.
The Secretary YSS, Sarmad Hafeez, and Secretary Sports Council thanked the Chief Secretary for the support from the administration for taking the sports of J&K to new heights.
