Sopore, May 9: Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development Department, Javid Ahmad Dar and Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, and Science, Satish Sharma, today toured various areas of North Kashmir, including Sopore, Baramulla and Rafiabad, where they reviewed the sports infrastructure, assessed the developmental works and interacted with the local residents and youth.

As part of the visit, the Ministers inspected the Sports Stadium at Hadipora Sopore to review the ongoing sports activities and assess the available infrastructure for the local youth and athletes.
During the visit, the Ministers interacted with the players, coaches and sports officials and reiterated the government’s commitment towards strengthening the sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that the development of modern sporting facilities is vital for nurturing talent at the grassroots level and channelising the energy of youth towards constructive and positive activities.
Highlighting the importance of sports in youth empowerment and social development, Satish Sharma said the government is focused on creating better opportunities for the aspiring athletes by improving infrastructure, providing quality training facilities and ensuring wider participation of youth in sports activities across urban as well as rural areas.
The Ministers also reviewed the condition of the stadium, play fields and other allied facilities and directed the concerned officials to ensure timely upgradation, proper maintenance and effective utilisation of the sports infrastructure. They assured that all possible support would be extended for the promotion and development of sports in the area.
Local sportspersons and residents apprised them of various issues and demands related to the stadium and sports facilities.
The Ministers assured them that all their genuine concerns would be addressed on priority to further strengthen the sporting ecosystem in the region.
During the tour, Satish Sharma also paid obeisance at Shalkoot Tapyana Sahib Gurdwara, where he directed the concerned authorities to undertake solarisation of the Gurdwara complex as part of the government’s push towards sustainable and green energy initiatives.
The Ministers further visited several areas including Zaloora, Gund Brath, Machipora, Hadipora and Shalkoot, including Tipyana Sahib Gurdwara, where they interacted with the local residents and reviewed various developmental issues and public concerns.
They also toured different areas of the Rafiabad constituency and took stock of ongoing developmental works and civic issues raised by the people.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment towards inclusive development, Ministers said sustained efforts are being made to strengthen infrastructure, improve public services and ensure holistic growth across all regions of Jammu and Kashmir.