JAMMU, MAY 2: The Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) organised a one day Youth Services and Sports Conclave 2023 at Convention Centre in Jammu and Kashmir, with Secretary YSS, Sarmad Hafeez as the chief guest.Speaking on the occasion, Sarmad Hafeez praised J&K for being the Union Territori regularly producing international standard players in fencing, gymnastics, roller skating, cricket and other sports. He also called for facilitating the interaction of such achievers with young children to encourage enhanced participation in sports, recommending that they be made mentors of school children.Sarmad Hafeez exhorted upon the District Youth Services & Sports Officers to conduct interaction sessions in all schools including private institutions to develop a thriving sports culture and promote regular collaboration between institutions. He suggested instating steps like holding annual sports events in schools to achieve this.Hafeez also called for a monthly progress report regarding activities conducted in districts to promote and conduct sports. He said that the department is well equipped with infrastructure including 94 Khelo India centres in J&K, at least one indoor stadium in each district besides a playfield in every panchayat.He emphasized the need for spreading awareness about SO-12 of the government under which 5 gazetted jobs besides numerous non-gazetted jobs have been earmarked for exceptional sportspersons of J&K.Hafeez impressed upon the department to promote participation of women and older persons in sports activities, in line with the Chief Secretary’s vision and to identify and promote native sports.
