To give a flip to sports activities in J&K, Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull held a series of meetings in the last couple of days with several representatives from recognised sports associations, modalities about preparation and kickstarting the sports activities as soon as covid restrictions are eased were discussed threadbare. The Secretary gave a patient hearing to the various delegations of sports associations and assured them to peruse the genuine demands within the stipulated time frame.During the meeting, e registering of prospective trainees was discussed and all the associations were directed to keep a database of the players available and submit as and when asked for. In this regard, a new format of new registration forms was also finalised and it shall include all major details about the athletes and to keep a track of the progress of each so that the prospective talent is showcased at the right platform.Gull also advised all stakeholders to give a special focus to select and identify trainees from a marginalised background.During meetings, the need for procurement of further equipment was also discussed and the Secretary gave on spot directions to the purchase wing to provisions for buying equipment based on need and requisitions. The advent of leagues in Football was also given go ahead and J&K Football Association representatives attending the meeting were asked to start preparing for Youth League for boys and girls besides preparing well in advance for Rural and Block Level leagues. The team from JKFA was also asked to devise the mechanisms for the reformation of district football associations registered with JKFA to rejuvenate each unit and organise Coaching Camps in all districts.The plan to celebrate Yoga Day systematically in the third week of this month was also discussed in which players from all recognised associations shall perform asanas in a planned manner following covid appropriate behaviour.The J&K Winter Association was asked to identify the storage of equipment procured under the Khelo India Programme for proper upkeep and safeguarding of the gears.The Sports Council Academies of Football, Water Sports and Cricket were directed to prepare a plan for tapping new talent across the J&K and keep a special provision for talented children from the marginalised background and also ensure their reach to far-flung areas of the union territory.Gull directed the Water Sports Centre to chart out a sports event in Khushalsar Lake of Downtown, Srinagar. The lake was revived with the help of a local NGO that is campaigning to restore the pristine glory of the lake. In order to bring activism to the local populace following the covid Pandemic, Secretary Sports Council directed the J&K Athletic and Cycling Associations to plan the Cyclothon and Marathon post easing of covid restrictions.The need for infrastructure in games Roller Skating, Basket Ball, Cycling and Soft Tennis was also brought to fore by members from respective associations, to which Secretary replied in affirmative and assured that such projects shall be carried under JKIDF and wherever provisions are placed Construction Division Wing Kashmir shall also be put into service.While allotting space for Chess Centre for Excellence to J&K Association in both Jammu and Kashmir, Secretary directed the association to devise tailor-made programmes for far-flung areas as well and extend its reach beyond the urban hub to tap more and more talent.Table Tennis Association was allotted 100 TT tables, 50 each for Jammu and Kashmir Division. Similarly, roll ball goalposts for Skating Rinks at Bakshi Stadium, Radepora and Pulwama were also given go-ahead.Secretary also gave nod for the conduct of coaching camps in Football, Water Sports, Soft Tennis, Table Tennis, Basket Ball, Cricket, Cycling, Badminton, Athletics, Roller Skating and Chess. The representatives from the concerned association were asked to submit a detailed plan of their activities within three days to enable the Sports Council to prepare well for the event.The meeting was attended by Nuzhat Farooq Divisional Sports Officer Kashmir, Riyaz Ahmad, Administrative Officer, Majid Dar Executive officer Football Academy, International Players Parvez Rasool, Abid Nabi, Mehrajudin Wadoo, Bilques Mir and various stakeholders from respective Sports Associations.While reaching out in its mission to players at their doorsteps, Secretary Sports Council visited TRC Ground here today and held a meeting with the Senior Cricketers from Dalgate, Srinagar.During the meeting, Gull assured the players that the Council will provide all possible support to the young and budding players of the area and will make all efforts to boost the morale of the young players. The Secretary also promised a wide range of initiatives for the enhancement of the beauty of the Ground. These players also presented a memento to the Secretary as a token of gratitude.Pertinently, J&K Sports Council started an e-sports education programme last week which received a very good response from players and sports enthusiasts across the union territory.
