Srinagar, May 13 (Scoop News) – Minister for Youth Services and Sports R.S.Chib today launched the activities to be taken under Panchayat Yuva Khel Krida Abhiyan (PYKKA) in a gala Sports meet, organized at Wathoo (Kellar Block) in Shopian District.
The event organized by Department of Youth Services and Sports under the aegis of Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in Shopian today would be organized in all the fourteen blocks of the State subsequently.
Chib said the coalition government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was focused on developing sports infrastructure in the State enumerating various steps which have been taken in this regard. He said that the Physical Education is as important for our younger generation like school as well as any professional education.
The Minister said PYKKA has been introduced by the Union Government for promoting games and sports in rural areas to harness the potential of youth. He said talented players of rural areas have the potential to compete at International / National level and are in position to bring laurels to the State.
Every Panchayat and block would ge playfield within 5 years, the Minister said, adding that Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh would be respectively utilized on the development of playfields in each across the State. He said the work on playfields in 14 blocks has been taken in hand and a proposal for developing 56 playfields has been sent to Centre for approval. He said besides providing equipments, a Krida Shree (Trainer) would also be engaged on honorarium basis in every Panchayat and block.
Chib said Union Sports Minister Ajay Makan during his recent visit has assured to provide sufficient funds for promotion of sports activities in the State. Chib expressed his conference that, the Government of India will come out with a very positive response, in the interest of the youth of the State.
As many as 28 teams from different villages of the block participated in the event. The Minister was introduced with the players by the District Sports Officer. Later, Mr Chib distributed trophies and mementoes among winner and runner-up teams and individuals.
Among others, Member, Gujjar & Bakerwal Welfare Board Ali Mohammad Wani, Former Legislator, A.R. Tukroo, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports B.A.Runiyal, Director Youth Services & Sports Jaipal Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Atta-ullah Samnani, Deputy Director, Youth Services and Sports Kashmir Mrs. Nilofer Amin, District Sports Officer, besides large number of prominent citizens, sports lovers and players were also present on the occasion.