Hinting at some good news on cards for outstanding athletes in the upcoming nine-day long Assembly session starting from October 23 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Minister Satish Sharma said that the government wants to transform their passion into the profession.

“We (government) want to transform your passion into profession and the Omar Abdullah led government is committed to that,” the Sports Minister said addressing a cluster of athletes comprising the outstanding players, gathered for “Diwali Celebration” event yesterday evening at K K Hakku Astro-Turf Hockey Stadium.
Commissioner Secretary, J&K Youth Services and Sports, Yasha Mudgal, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul was among present.
A galaxy of coaches, employees and staff of J&K Sports Council also attended the event, which was a joint venture of J&K Sports Council and the former Member J&K Sports Council, Rajeev Sharma, who is also the president of Tennikoit Federation of India (TFI).
“Engagement of outstanding sportspersons was a long pending issue and in view of that, the government discussed it threadbare in the presence of senior administrative officials from the respective departments and in the Cabinet as well,” Sharma said.
He expressed, “I am hopeful that the years long backlog of outstanding athletes will soon be cleared as the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has himself taken notice of this matter,” adding he said, “after reviewing all technicalities related to gazetted and non-gazetted posts, the nod is expected in the upcoming Assembly Session.”
“Youth is our future and ambassadors of fit India. We will try our best to remove all the hurdles in their way to fulfil their dreams so that they reach the national and international forums like the Olympics,” said the Sports Minister.
Commissioner Secretary, J&K Youth Services and Sports, Yasha Mudgal in her maiden address to the sportspersons after assuming the charge said, “Sky is the limit” and the department is making all out efforts to consolidate and augment the existing sports infrastructure.
Lauding the Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul for taking this sector to new heights that improved the J&K’s medal tally, Mudgal said, “in the coming days, lot many projects and activities are round the corner for our athletes to provide them a best platform of learning and equipping them.”
“Interactions with young minds make us more enthusiastic and energised and we become more determined to deliver,” she said in a motivational interaction.
Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul lauded the athletes for making Jammu and Kashmir proud with their performances.
She said, “we are always there for you. The government is committed to provide world class facilities so that our athletes shine at all platforms.”
Meanwhile, the Minister, flanked by the senior officials, later presented tokens among the participants and extended the Diwali greetings.