New Delhi (NVI): Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju, today laid foundation stones for various sports facilities which will cost over Rs 12 crore in Leh, Ladakh.
The estimated project cost for laying of synthetic track and the football AstroTurf is Rs 10.68 crore and is scheduled to be completed by January, 2021.
Meanwhile, the construction of Gymnasium Hall in NDS indoor stadium would cost about Rs 1.52 crore and construction will be completed by March 2021.
Great day for sports in Ladakh!
Laid foundation stone for Synthetic Track & Astro Turf for Football and Gymnasium Hall at NDS Stadium in Leh.
Within short time, these projects are initiated to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Ladakh & commitment of PM @narendramodi Ji. pic.twitter.com/o4MytZX762— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 14, 2020
The Sports Ministry is contemplating putting sporting culture into a policy framework. In fact, Kiren Rijiju has requested the local administration to constitute awards and jobs for local sportspersons to encourage them to participate in sporting activities.
Focusing on one of the most popular sport of the area, Ice hockey, Kiren Rijiju has asked the Ice Hockey Associations across the country to come together to get the recognition for the sport, by following the laid down procedures.
The Sports Ministry in order to promote sports in Leh, Ladakh will provide funds and the facilities meant for districts in the places suggested by the administration as Khelo India district sub centres under the Khelo India programme.
In addition to this, Rijiju has also suggested the local UT administration to send proposals to develop sporting infrastructure in places with a thousand population in Ladakh.
The aim is to develop Ladakh as another centre for high altitude training for Olympic bound elite athletes and as of now there is only one centre in Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh, where the national hockey players are trained for important international and domestic tournaments.
-CHK
