Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday said that the day is not far when we will see the youth of Shahr-e-Khas representing the country in the Olympics and earning a new identity of heroes and the respect for J&K and the country.
After inaugurating the Ellahi Bagh Indoor Sports Stadium, constructed at a cost of Rs 4 crore under the PMDP, LG Sinha said the Shahr-e-Khas area has evolved as a hub of sporting activities, with youngsters determined to achieve glory in sports.
Congratulating the locals, especially the youth of the downtown area for the new sports facility, the Lt Governor said, "I was told by the local people that many areas were known for the wrong reasons. But, I believe downtown Srinagar has shed its past and it is now a new address of Indian Sporting heroes".
The Lt Governor further said, “In the last two years, downtown has witnessed a massive rise in the number of sports being played and a large number of youth pursuing sports professionally”.
“Total 12 sports fields, mini-stadiums in different areas of downtown Srinagar have been upgraded by J&K Sports Council with world class amenities to nurture young talents. Determination of downtown youth to see the tricolor fly high has revived the legacy of football & other games,” Lt Governor added.
Amid the cheers of thousands of locals present at the venue, the Lt Governor recounted names of top-class players who recently went to represent the country at the International sporting events.
“Several youngsters from downtown Srinagar have proved their mettle in International Championships. The day is not far when we will see the youth of Shahr-e-Khas representing the country in the Olympics and earning a new identity of heroes and the respect for J&K and the country,” Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor appreciated the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council for preparing and handing over the Ellahi Bagh Indoor Sports Stadium in record time and extended his best wishes to all the players.
“Opportunities in Sports come knocking if the players are receptive, determined and motivated. You get life only once, do something that everyone remembers. Change your life and contribute to Nation building. Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC, while speaking on the occasion, lauded the Lt Governor-led UT Government for reaching out to the Youth from across the UT and taking unprecedented measures to develop sports even in the areas which were neglected for decades.
Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson J&K Waqf Board, extended gratitude to the UT Administration for providing resources and necessary support to the youth and sports persons so that they can bring laurels to the UT and the Country.