Srinagar: Minister for Youth Services Sports and Technical Education, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari today said that inculcating a culture of sports among youth is essential in attaining a healthy lifestyle.

He made these remarks at an award distribution function of SKIMS Cricket and Football Leauge-2017 organized by Sports Committee CASS Union SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina.

Legislators, Noor Mohammad Sheikh and Saif-ud-Din Bhat were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that other than physical and mental development, sports activities play a vital role to widen vision and in gaining self-confidence which is key to excel in any field of life.

Ansari announced that a Basketball and Volleyball court will be soon established in the SKIMS premises, besides a ‘Wellness Center’ to motivate people to live a healthy life, who are involved in drug menace and stress disorders.

He said that as educators, it is our responsibility to nurture young minds and bringing out the best in them. He added that there is a need to give focused attention so that students with different abilities and interests will be able to exploit their potential to the full.

He appreciated the College management for conducting extra-curricular activities. He said that the sports activities help in grooming youth to inculcate qualities to become global leaders and play a positive role in shaping society towards further betterment.

The Minister said that the Government has taken various innovative initiatives to develop a quality sports infrastructure in the State which will provide a better platform to the sportsperson to harness their skills. In this regard, the Government has initiated the process of establishing Mini Stadiums at district level across the State under PMDP.

He said that Departments have also submitted DPRs under Khelo India to the Government of India for further development of the sports infrastructure.

The Minister urged the students to take an active part in co-curricular activities for overall development and assured that basic sports infrastructure will be made available to them on priority.

On the occasion, the Minister also distributed awards to players and organizers of the events, besides launching SKIMS annual Magazine.

Guest