Srinagar, Jun 10 (KNO): Above 70 international sports events were held in Jammu and Kashmir over the last year, said Secretary of Youth Sports, Sarmad Hafeez said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Inter School Football Championship organized by Frisk Film Production in collaboration with J&K Sports Council here, he said as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), adding that more international and national events will be held in coming times.
“The government has also taken many initiatives. Last year, we conducted college games and this year, we are planning for University Games. We have also planned golden games for our senior-aged citizens as well,” Hafeez said.
He said that the government is working to improve sports infrastructure in the union territory.
“I am sure today's tournament will be a good experience for our young generation. Youth are participating in larger numbers and I am sure most of them are champions, football lovers and many more. I hope these kids will rise and they will represent the Jammu and Kashmir UT soon,” he added.
Talking about cricket, he said that JKCA who supervises cricket-related activities, but the youth sports department is trying to identify talent and provide them a platform.
“Last year, we were able to achieve a target of about 62 lakh sports activities, and this year, we have a target of about 70 lakh. I hope we will achieve that feat too. Besides this, national and international games will also be held here soon. Last year, we had 22 national games and this year, the expected target is 25 games,” Hafeez added.
“We are the capital of victory games in the country and this year Khelo India Games was also organized in Gulmarg. We are the only place, UT in the country where Khelo India Centers have been established,” he said—(KNO)