Omar for nurturing State’s sports talent

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has highlighted the need for nurturing sports talent in Jammu and Kashmir by upgrading sports facilities and organizing different tournaments.
“Exposure to the sportspersons in various tournaments would help them prove their talent and move forward in various sports fields”, he said appreciating CRPF for organizing Shaheed Asfaqulla Khan T20 Cricket Tournament in Kashmir Division and providing opportunity to young cricketers.
Addressing a function at the conclusion of Asfaqulla Khan T20 Tournament here, the Chief Minister said that his Government has already put in place a multipronged policy to develop sports and upgrade its standard in the State. “Various measures to provide opportunities to the players are being provided to help them shine at the State and National levels”, he said elaborating that wide-ranging sports facilities are being developed across the State.
“Our boys and girls are none to anyone”, he said adding that they need proper opportunities, coaching and exposure to prove their mettle. He said that for this purpose creation of sports temperament and encouragement to the players is essential. He said the tournament like Asfaqulla Khan T20 would provide opportunities to the players to excel and be seen in the IPL and other National tournaments.
The Chief Minister presented the Winner’s trophy and Rs. one lakh cheque to the winners of the tournament Anantnag Cricket Club while the Runner’s Up trophy and Rs. 50,000 cheque was given to Baramulla DC Cricket XI.
Omar Abdullah also handed over bicycles to 54 needy school girls which were donated by the CRPF.
Parliament Member, Mehboob Beig, Special Director General, CRPF, A. Uppal, IG, CRPF, Kashmir, Dr. Ramesh, IGP, Kashmir. S. M. Sahai, District Development Commissioners of Srinagar and Baramulla, various civil, CRPF and Police officers were present on the occasion among others.
Welcoming the Chief Minister, Dr. Ramesh said that 80 teams participated in the tournament which was conducted for three months at various places in the Valley. He said that CRPF has provided trainings to 300 youth of Kashmir in various skills besides providing tools to 100 artisans and computer units to 24 schools this year.
Earlier in thrilling match Anantnag Cricket Club beat the Baramulla DC Cricket XI by 8 wickets. Chasing the target of 132 runs in 20 hours put up by the Baramulla DC Cricket XI after losing 6 wickets, the Anantnag Cricket Club hit the winning run in 16 hour and lifted the trophy and cash award of Rs. one lakh.
The Chief Minister also awarded individual prizes to the members of the winners and runner’s up teams.