By Vishal BhartiJammu, Oct 15 (Agency) Though the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remained partially hit because of revocation of Article 370 in 2019 followed by the Covid pandemic but the athletes never succumbed and instead, with ‘High Josh’, marched into new era of sports, which was clearly visible on ground in the recently concluded 36th National Games in Gujarat.The Jammu and Kashmir contingent fetched a total 12 medals comprising one Gold, two Silver and nine bronze in Wushu, Fencing, Kayaking and Gymnastics events (Individual & Team categories).Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also heading the Department of J&K Youth Affairs and Sports including the J&K Sports Council on Thursday after inaugurating the Sixth Senior Asian Pencak Silat Championship in Srinagar had said, “In the last two years, we have formulated and implemented strategic sports development plan which is paying us the dividend.” “The ongoing sporting events across Jammu Kashmir have kindled hopes and it is a sign of a robust sports culture in the society,” Sinha said. The Jammu and Kashmir Government has also sanctioned the release of special case awards of Rs 50,000 for Gold medallist, Rs 25,000 for silver medallists and Rs 10,000 for bronze medallists of the National Games. “The change in Jammu and Kashmir Sports is visible and the medal tally at National Games has proved that our athletes are marching into the new era of sports,” said an official.” The normalcy remained hit in 2019 due to Article 370 revocation followed by Covid but, we must appreciate our athletes because they worked hard under the guidance of coaches, who played a role by focusing on physical fitness and mental strength of players for fruitful results. “Showering praises, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul told UNI, “The advantageous events wherein Jammu and Kashmir could have taken the lead were curtailed but our academies have fared well in the National Games. “Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir government has established Sports Academies of Gymnastics, Wushu, Fencing and Water Sports—the games that earned medals to the Union Territory.
“The impetus given by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to the sports infrastructure, sportspersons and vision of creating a positive sports ecosystem has paid off,” said Gul. She stated that the J&K Government is leaving no stone unturned for engagement of youth in positive direction by engaging them in various sports activities Indian Wushu Team coach and Dronacharya Awardee Kuldeep Handoo told UNI, “If you go through the last four National Games, only limited sports were giving consecutive medals but the government need to give more edge to performing disciplines vis-a-vis others for results at National and International forums.” “The government at present is supporting all the sports associations at par but some need to be put on top priority on the analogy of Govt of India,” said Handoo adding that Wushu exhibited excellence, topped in the medal tally leaving Haryana and Services in second and third places respectively. International Fencer and Convener, Ad-hoc Committee, J&K Amateur Fencing Association, Rashid Ahmad Choudhary told UNI, “firstly, the games controlled and managed by the sportspersons fetched medals in the National Games and secondly, it depended upon number of athletes or teams qualified directly.” “The medal tally can further be improved if the administration from now onwards starts chalking out a strategy taking all stakeholders including sports associations on board for next National Games to be held in Goa in 2023,” he added. International Footballer and Member, Technical Committee, All India Football Federation (AIFF), Arun Malhotra said, “Jammu and Kashmir is gradually but steadily becoming a sports hub and our athletes are doing exceptionally well.”
“The recently launched Sports Policy, improved infrastructure and initiatives on part of the government are quite commendable in realising the dreams of many of the athletes,” Malhotra quoted as saying to UNI. “J&K contingent has left an impact in recently concluded National Games and the results are the outcome of massive infrastructure for ‘Har Ghar Khel’ in every nook and corner,” the veteran footballer stated. “This is just the beginning. The more our sportspersons will perform at various levels, more they will get exposed to techniques, skills to become professionals,” he said adding, “the government run sports managing bodies must not lower guards but keep the spirits high and facilitate the youth and if possible, corporate sector can be invited to nurture the promising talent. “The next edition of National Games is scheduled at Goa in 2023, so those at the helm of affairs must introspect and have a plan in their pocket with a focus on the medal winning team events and individual sports. “Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council on Friday has also been conferred with SKOCH State Award of Best Governance for the year 2022 on ‘My Youth My Pride’ special activities. “With establishment of 22 indoor multi-purpose halls in all 20 districts and construction of 40 state-of-the-art sports grounds to host national level tournaments besides 38 Khelo-India Centers in various disciplines and work on 948 infrastructure projects is underway, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is marching towards revolution in the sports sector,” said Gul.