Ganderbal, Jun 25: MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali on Saturday said that sports infrastructure across the constituency is being strengthened through a series of initiatives aimed at providing better facilities to local youth, including the construction of a Rs 5 crore indoor stadium at Arigoripora and the upgradation of several major playgrounds.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir on the sidelines of the final match of a cricket tournament at Gagangeer Sonamarg, the MLA said that encouraging youth participation in sports remains one of his priorities and that considerable efforts have been made over the past one-and-a-half years to improve sporting facilities in different parts of the constituency.
He said an indoor stadium worth ₹5 crore has been sanctioned at Arigori Pora and work on the project is expected to begin shortly. According to the MLA, the facility will provide a much-needed platform for young sportspersons and help promote indoor sports activities in the region.
Mian Mehar Ali said that besides the indoor stadium project, funds have also been allocated for the development and improvement of several playgrounds across Kangan constituency. He noted that sports equipment including kits, rollers, mats and other essential items have already been provided to various clubs and youth groups to support local sporting activities.
The MLA particularly highlighted the importance of the large playground at Gund, stating that the ground possesses immense potential and requires filling, fencing and other developmental works. He said additional funds are likely to be allocated to ensure the project is completed at the earliest.
“I personally visited the ground and reviewed its condition. Some funds had been kept earlier, but the amount was not sufficient. We are making efforts to complete the remaining work so that local youth can fully benefit from the facility,” he said.
He added that while there are demands for sports infrastructure from various villages and localities, the focus will remain on developing major grounds that can accommodate larger numbers of players and sporting events.
“There are many playgrounds across the constituency, but it is not possible to develop all of them simultaneously. Our priority is to strengthen a number of major grounds so that they can be utilized effectively by youth from different areas,” he said.
The MLA said that key sports facilities in Kangan, Gund and other areas are being considered for phased development and upgradation. He expressed hope that these projects would create better opportunities for talented youth and contribute to the overall growth of sports in the constituency.
Referring to the contribution of local sports enthusiasts, Mehar Ali acknowledged the efforts of several individuals who have worked for the promotion of sports. He particularly mentioned late Irfan Ahmad Raina, saying his contribution towards the development of one of the playground at Gagangir was significant and deserved recognition.
Addressing players and spectators during the final match at Gagangeer Sonamarg, the MLA announced that the recently inaugurated playground would be dedicated to the memory of late Irfan Ahmad Raina in recognition of his pivotal role in pursuing and facilitating the establishment of the facility.
He said the late youth had taken a keen interest in the project and remained actively involved in efforts to make the ground a reality.
Mehar Ali also expressed gratitude to all those individuals, local residents and sports enthusiasts who contributed towards the development of the playground at Gagangir stating that the facility was the outcome of collective efforts aimed at promoting sports among the youth.
The MLA urged young people to actively participate in sports and stay away from drug abuse and other social evils. He said sports play a vital role in shaping a healthy and disciplined society and can open new avenues for talented youth.
Whether it is cricket, football, badminton or any other sport, our youth should come forward and participate wholeheartedly. I regularly attend local matches and interact with players. It is encouraging to see the passion and talent among young sportspersons,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the future of sports in the constituency, Mehar Ali said he hopes to see players from Kangan represent Jammu and Kashmir and the country at national and international levels in the coming years. He assured that he would continue supporting sports clubs, local tournaments and infrastructure projects aimed at increasing youth participation in sports activities.
The MLA, however, observed that one of the major challenges in expanding sports infrastructure across Kangan constituency remains the shortage of available government land. He said suitable land is difficult to find in many areas, making it challenging to establish new facilities.
Nevertheless, he maintained that wherever government land is available, efforts are being made to utilize it for public welfare projects, particularly those related to sports development. He expressed confidence that despite these limitations, sports infrastructure in the constituency would continue to improve in the coming years.
