Satish Sharma lays foundation stone for upgradation of Chankhan Sopore Playfield
BARAMULLA: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, yesterday laid the foundation stone for the upgradation of the playfield at Chankhan Sopore, aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting youth engagement across North Kashmir.
The event was attended by MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, senior officers of the J&K Sports Council, district officers, and representatives from local sports associations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the administration, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is continuously working to upgrade playfields, develop new sports facilities, and enhance training opportunities for young athletes.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Sharma said the upgraded Chankhan Sopore playfield will not only offer modern sports amenities but also create new avenues for youth engagement, recreation, and community development.
“Sports is a powerful medium to channelize the energy of our youth in the right direction. The government is fully committed to ensuring that every block and town is equipped with quality sports infrastructure,” he stated.
MLA Irshad Rasool Kar appreciated the initiative and thanked the Minister for his focused approach towards promoting sports in North Kashmir. He said the upgraded playfield would serve as a hub of sports and cultural activities for the local youth.
Officials from the J&K Sports Council briefed the Minister about the project’s technical details and assured its timely and high-quality completion. The project, being executed by the Sports Council at an estimated cost of ₹100 lakh, aims to transform the existing playfield into a modern multi-sport arena to help local youth train and compete at state and national levels.
During his visit, the Minister also reviewed ongoing works related to sports infrastructure development in Sopore and instructed officers to ensure speedy completion.
On the sidelines, Sharma interacted with local youth and sports enthusiasts, who expressed gratitude for the government’s continued efforts to boost sports in the region. Responding to their demands, he reiterated that the government is committed to supporting sportspersons, noting that rules have been framed to provide government jobs to outstanding athletes.
The Minister later witnessed the finals of the Rahim Memorial Tournament and distributed prizes among the winning and runner-up teams.
