Minister for Public Works Naeem Akhtar today announced a youth hostel, upgradation of Sher E Kashmir sports stadium Bandipore and other initiatives to develop the sports infrastructure in the district for the benefit of local and outside players.
The Minister was speaking at the awards ceremony of finals of sixth Dada Sir Football tournament played at Sher e Kashmir sports stadium Bandipora.
The Minister lauded the players of both the teams for displaying great sportsmanship. The finals was won by Mohammedan Sports Club Sopore by defeating Iqbal Football Club Bandipora.
The Minister said that Bandipore will be developed as a sports capitals where players from other districts and others states would come and participate in various sports including football, volleyball, cricket and other games. “We will establish a youth hostel so that outside players will have a place to stay in the district. The Sher e Kashmir Stadium will also be developed by upgrading its buildings, levelling the field, establishing inner fencing, erecting high mast lights for night sports facilities and all other deficits will be filled,” said Akhtar.
The Minister paid huge tributes to Ghulam Naib Khan popularly known as Dada Sir who did a great job in popularising football sports in the district.
The Minister said that the youth of Kashmir have huge potential in sports like football and government will do everything to provide avenues and opportunities to such youth. He said that besides developing sports infrastructure government has put focus on livelihood development initiatives. He said that fisheries development project worth over Rs 6 crore, development of Honey villages and other projects to exploit local resources and provide work to unemployed youth are underway in the district.
The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Secretary Sports Council and other officials.