LEH: Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday laid on foundation stones for various sports facilities at the cost of over 12 crore rupees in Leh. The Minister laid foundation for a Synthetic Track & Astro turf for football in Leh at an open stadium. Speaking on the occasion, Kiren Rijiju said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi the Union Government is inculcating a sporting culture in the country which in turn keeps the people healthy and fit. Rijiju suggested Ladakh UT Administration to constitute Awards and incentives like jobs for local sports persons to encourage them to excel in the sporting field. He also asked the Ice Hockey associations across the country to come together to get recognition for the sport, by following the laid down procedures. Kiren Rijiju announced relaxations for sports infrastructure and development in Ladakh. He said sportspersons excelled in local events would get training in 23 cenres of excellence across the country, depending on their sporting disciplines. Speaking on the occasion, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur appealed to the Sports Minister to tap the potential in Ladakh for sports development. As part of month and half long Fit India Freedom Run from 15th August to 2nd October the Sports Minister personally participated in Cyclothon earlier in the day along with MP Jamyang Namgyal and local cyclists.