In a significant step towards promoting sports infrastructure, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone of a Synthetic Football Turf at Jagti Camp, Nagrota, today, marking a milestone in the region’s sporting landscape.
The Synthetic Football Turf, to be developed at a cost of Rs 5.75 crore, will include a G+1 pavilion with a covered area boasting a seating capacity of approximately 600 spectators, along with change rooms and other amenities, enhancing the sports facilities for the community.
Expressing his pride in the achievements of the Kashmiri Pandit community, the Lt Governor dedicated the project to the youth of the community, recognizing their significant contributions to nation-building.
“The representation of the Kashmiri Pandit Community in J&K’s Legislative Assembly is a major step towards the empowerment of the community. I urge the youth of the Kashmiri Pandit community to avail limitless opportunities in diverse sectors and fulfill the goal of Viksit Bharat,” said Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.
Highlighting the commitment of the Union Territory Administration to promote sports, the Lt Governor emphasized that the state-of-the-art sports facility will be developed in accordance with FIFA standards, underscoring the government’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering sportsmanship in the region.
In addition to the Synthetic Football Turf, plans include the development of an indoor stadium, an outdoor gym, and a cricket stadium with comprehensive facilities at Jagti. Furthermore, Rs 30 lakh has been allocated for the creation of badminton and volleyball court facilities.
The Lt Governor also outlined the significant strides made in sports infrastructure development post-2019, with 702 sports projects completed, multipurpose indoor sports halls constructed across districts, and playfields developed in every panchayat. International-level sports facilities are underway in Jammu and Srinagar, alongside the establishment of Centres of Excellence in Canoeing, Rowing, and Fencing.
Additionally, the Lt Governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to extending support to budding sports persons and entrepreneurial youth, with financial assistance to 1049 identified individuals set to be provided by the end of February.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of senior officials, sportspersons, prominent citizens, and members of the community, signifying a collective step towards fostering a vibrant sports culture and empowering the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.