Jammu: Appealing sports associations to put their hands together, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, R R Bhatnagar on Monday said that personal disputes must be settled in the interest and benefit of the sportspersons.
Bhatnagar was speaking at the flagging off ceremony of the Jammu and Kashmir contingent for the 36th National Games to be held at Gujarat.
“National Games is an important and major event as per the national calender of sports activities,” Bhatnagar said in his address to the contingents and officials of Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and Department of Youth Services and Affairs.
“As many as 36 disciplines are to be covered in the National Games. I am sure that you will perform well and bring laurels for the UT and make the country proud as well,” the Advisor stated.
However, he observed, “We need to understand that how we can better our performance.”
“Regular participation in competitions, coaching, talent scouting are must for outstanding results and the time has come especially when LG Manoj Sinha is making all out efforts to raise sports infrastructure and we must take advantage of these facilities to the fullest to excel in this sector,” he asserted.
In a message to the sports bodies, Bhatnagar said, “associations also have to play a key role in strengthening our sports structure.”
Have come across that due to a dispute in the Handball Federation, J&K team is not participating, it is very unfortunate and a concern, said the Advisor.
“We all need to put our hands together so that no player suffer due to infighting and disputes of the sports associations,” suggested Bhatnagar.
Extending wishes to the contingent on behalf of the LG Manoj Sinha, who is also President of Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Bhatnagar said, “I was told that coaching camps were organised and we are trying in future to develop and load our centres of excellence with world class facilities.”
“Our target should be that more players qualify and participate in such events and hope that the contingents will win medals,” he said.
Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul in her address said, “this is the 36th edition of the National Games being held almost after seven years.”
In the last National Games, she said that J&K contingent won four silver and eight bronze medals.
As many as 14 contingents are taking part this year from Jammu and Kashmir, she said and added, “as per other framed and laid guidelines, cash awards will also be given to the medallists under new Sports Policy.”
Chief Account Officer, J&K Sports Council, Zafar Iqbal hosted the event while Member, Sports Council, Ranjeet Kalra, presented vote of thanks and wished the contingents good luck for the prestigious event.
Jammu Zone ADGP, Mukesh Singh, Director Youth Services and Sports, Subhash Chibber, Mayor Jammu and various members of sports Associations and officials of sports bodies were also present on the occasion.
