Team PHDCCI-K meets Principal Secretary YSS; new sports policy on anvil in J&K

Srinagar: A new sports policy, sports incentives and numerous sops for sports persons and coaches are on the anvil in J&K, Principal Secretary Youth Services and Sports Alok Kumar said in a meeting with the delegation of PHDCCI-Kashmir headed by Baldev Singh Raina Chairman PHDCCI-Kashmir.

The delegation was represented by the Sports Expert Committee Chairperson and Women Entrepreneurship Forum Ms Shahana Fatima, Himayu Wani, Bilal Ahamd Kawoosa, Ishfaq Ahmed former Indian footballer and assistant coach of Kerala Blasters FC in Indian Super League along and Iqbal Fayaz Jan, Regional Director PHDCCI-J&K.

The delegation explained the need for a sports infrastructure and discussed following issues with the Principal Secretary and he assured a positive and amicable solution to all issues of sports persons that will be addressed through a Sports Policy which will be put in public domain before notification.

According to a PHDCCI statement issued to media, the following recommendations have been made to the government of J&K:

1) There should be an announcement of the much awaited Sports Policy of J&K and the Policy needs to be announced with a slew of incentives for talented sports persons of J&K. There should be an incentive in the policy for an Olympic gold medallist, Silver and Bronze Medallists from the J&K, and anyone participating in an Olympic event should get Rs 20 lakh, and also there should be incentives for world championships for Silver, Bronze and Gold Medallists.

2) It is learnt that most of the outstanding sportspersons in the State are without Government jobs and the doors for their appointments under SRO-349 have almost been closed from 2014 onwards. We suggest that for the Outstanding Sports persons there is need for creation of a separate cadre by introducing J&K Outstanding Sportsperson Service rules and regulations with reservation of Jobs in all categories of Jobs.

3) There is need for formation of Committee for Granting recognition to State Sports Associations and these associations’ needs to be monitored annually for their performance.

4) Club culture needs to be promoted to create a competitive sporting environment in J&K.

5) Development of Multipurpose sports playfield at Gram Panchayat Level under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGS)

6) Every school has sports embedded in their curriculum as they understand the importance of physical health and activity. However, the importance given to sports ends there— in its inclusion just for the sake of formality. Many schools do not properly encourage students to participate in sporting events and parents add to the physical hindrance by not believing that this field can bring as much or even better chances of success than the academic field. Therefore we request that there should be awareness among Students and PHDCCI would like to join hands with Youth Services and Sports for Organizing Awareness Workshops and Webinars round the year.

7) We suggest that only registered sports needs to be promoted in Jammu and Kashmir.

8) Also we suggest that Coaches bio data and qualifications should be available on official website of J&K Sports Department.

9) The Sports infrastructure like stadiums and Swimming pools should be completed on priority and the completed Stadiums and Sports Infrastructure should be deputed with Qualified Coaches and Managers.

10) Sports council or youth services district centre should be having Counselling centres so that it will be easy for parents to choose the right sports for the children as per his/her talent.

11) There are many sports coaches who are working in police department we can avail there services on deputation in sports department.

12) The Kerala Blasters Football Club want to have the Pre-season in Srinagar from 25th July, 2021 to 30th August 2021 and they are interested in playing friendly matches against few clubs from Jammu and Kashmir. The club has huge fan following with a fan-base of over 20 million people. The Kerala blasters have 10 international players playing currently and they all will be part of this tour. We request for facilitation from government for Organizing of these matches under the aegis of J&K Sports Department.

13) Mr Muhammad Amin Naik who is a champion rower. He has been awarded the highest medal to an Indian sportsman, the Arjuna Award, for his accomplishments in rowing. His service needs to be utilized for development of Water Sports in J&K.

14) Holding of National Youth Parliament Festival at Srinagar/Jammu. Besides youth parliament in each District of J and K.

15) Implementation of following Schemes in letter and Spirit for Youth in J and K.

Ø National Service Scheme (NSS)

Ø National Program for Youth and Adolescent Development (NPYAD)

Ø Scouting and Guiding.

Ø National Youth Corps (NYC)

Ø Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)

Ø International Co- Operation (IC)

Ø Youth Hostels

Ø Khelo India.