| Jammu's proposals gather dust, Centre to develop Kashmir as hub of water sports | | In the year 2012, the then J&K government had announced to develop Ranjit Sagar Dam as venue for water sports activities but the proposal is yet to see the light due to discriminatory policies of the successive governments. | | Early Times Report
jammu, Feb 28: While files of the projects announced for Jammu region are gathering dust, Union Government has decided to make Kashmir Valley as hub of water sports.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju announced on Friday Srinagar will be made a hub for water sports.
"We had announced that we will create a state-of-the-art winter sports academy here. Now, we are happy to inform you that all the procedures are in place to get the world standard institute opened here soon," said Rijiju while inaugurating 'Khelo India' winter games at Gulmarg in Kashmir Valley.
"Out of 100 small Khelo India Centres we had announced across all districts of the valley, 40 are already approved and the remaining 60 will be approved in the next financial year. Ex athletes, coaches can run these centers and give back to sports, while earning a livelihood.", he said, adding, "We have also opened two Khelo India State Center of Excellence here focusing on the disciplines of Judo, Fencing and Rowing. Srinagar will be made a hub for water sports. Also, we have decided to give a Khelo India academy accreditation to the Mata Vaishnodevi sports complex".
In the year 2012, J&K government had announced to promote Ranjit Sagar Dam as venue for water sports activities but the proposal is yet to see the light due to discriminatory policies of the successive governments.
Notably the National Institute of Water Sports Goa had conducted a survey in this regard but those at the helm of the affairs allegedly created hurdles in developing this region as a hub of water sports.
Known as 'Mini-Goa' due to the 23 kilometer lake stretch, this region is still neglected despite the fact that repeated proposals were made to develop it as a hub of leisure water sports. Sports like pedal boating, rowing, kayaking, canoeing and motor-boating were proposed. |
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