Over a half dozen activities under the state’s largest sports carnival for rural areas are being held in different blocks of various districts in Kashmir division.In a statement issued today, JK State Sports Council stated that more than 3000 players from various districts of the valley are participating in various sports activities.Giving details, SSC officials said 700 players participated in competitions held in various blocks of South Kashmir’s Anantnag and Pulwama districts including Bijbehara and evinced massive response of players participating in various sports disciplines.They said 2300 players participated in various sports activities in various blocks including Narbal block of district Budgam, Safapora block of Ganderbal, Shalimar of Srinagar and in various blocks of district Kupwara. The sports disciplines in which competitions are going on include athletics, Kho-Kho, Kabbadi, Volleyball, Wushu, athletics and others.SSC officials said the activities began at block level under Rural Sports Competition in every block of both the divisions of the state. They said the talent identification is being done in the process for grooming budding sportspersons to achieve excellence at national and international levels.
Aarif Veeray, class 9th student, an aspiring sportsperson, who hails from block Bijbehara of Anantnag said, “It will provide a platform to the budding sports talent to compete at the state level.” He thanked the Sports Council for providing budding sportspersons like him, a chance to compete and participate in the games at block level.On the occasion Secretary Sports Council Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra said aim of the competition is to improve the pool of sportspersons at the grassroots level. “To identify and hone talent in rural Jammu and Kashmir, various competitions are going on at block level,” informed Secretary Sports Council, adding that the Government is committed to promote sports activities and develop sports infrastructure in every nook and corner of the State.Divisional Sports Officer, Nuzhat Ara said, “Khelo India competitions are being conducted not only to promote sports at grassroots level but also to help revive the sports culture in the state.” She also maintained close coordination with the entire concerned district heads for successful ‘Khelo India’ competitions that are being conducted not only to promote sports at grassroots level but also to help revive the sports culture in the state.