The Chief Minister was inaugurating three sports stadia at Kulgam, Budgam and Ganderbal constructed by the Army under Sadbhawana Operation.

Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir is abundantly rich in sports talent and the sports persons here require proper grooming to excel. “Our youth are second to none in the field of sports. We have to encourage and develop them and provide better sports infrastructure so that they are trained and their potential exploited to compete at national and international levels,” he said.

Omar said that due to the disturbances in the State for about 20 years, the sports received serious jolt like other life activities. “We have to bring back the sports system on rails and initiate a comprehensive sports development programme,” he said.

The Chief Minister appreciated the role of the Army in extending help to the civil administration in the field of sports and other public services adding that the construction of scores of stadia by the Army in the State would go a long way to develop and encourage sports activities in the State.

He expressed the hope that the Army’s help towards this end and other fields of development would continue and the cooperation between civilians and the Army would continue.

Abdullah said that the positive change in the political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir and the gradual return of peaceful days would act as catalyst in speedier development of all sectors including sports. “We have to take advantage of present palatable situation and work hard to achieve the development targets and upgrade basic amenities,” he added.