Jammu, Feb 5 (FN Agency) Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir administration is making all out efforts to make Union Territory a powerhouse of sports, Secretary, Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul on Monday said that only sports can prevent the drug abuse and channelise the energy of the youth with positivity. Gul was speaking to media after declaring open a three-day T7S Lawn Tennis Championship here at Maulana Azad Stadium. The Championship is being organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Lawn Tennis Association (JKLTA) in collaboration with J&K Sports Council under the aegis of All India Tennis Association (AITA). “We want our youth to excel in different sports disciplines for which the government has prepared a roadmap and major initiatives are being taken to nurture the talent,” Gul said. The Secretary said that 100 Khelo India Centres are sanctioned to Jammu and Kashmir out of which, 94 are operational catering nearly 4500 athletes in various disciplines by the energetic mentors. “Our athletes are being provided with best infrastructure, facilities, kits, equipment to compete with other states and efforts are bearing fruits,” said Gul claiming that athletes from Jammu and Kashmir are fetching medals and touching new heights in the sports sector.
“Sports can be the only medium to take our youth out of anti-social activities and drug abuse for making them self reliant and efficient,” she said.The Secretary also ensured that the Lawn Tennis infrastructure will further be enhanced and be well equipped with additional courts to make this sport more popular among talented youth of Jammu and Kashmir, adding, “we will definitely be hosting one such event in Srinagar as well.” Earlier, patron of JKLTA and former minister, R S Chib speaking on the occasion thanked to the J&K Sports Council for extending all help to the Association for the conduct of first ever competition in Jammu. President, JKLTA, Murti Gupta also hailed the AITA for the prestigious Championship at Jammu and expressed gratitude to the Sports Council for the logistic support. Meanwhile budding players in both boys and girls categories, appreciated the organisers for hosting the event stating that it will not only hone the talent but also help professionals to improve their rankings at the national level competitions. Members of JKLTA, Sports Council officials and many sports enthusiasts were present on the occasion.