Indoor games brewing up in Kashmir Valley

Indoor gaming and sports complexes have started gaining popularity in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Game centers, which are privately owned, have all sports, including snooker, table tennis, play station and carrom board among others.

Mehran Rishi, the owner of Indulge Sports Centre Srinagar, said that the game centre was built gradually and he is looking forward to making it more popular with the inclusion of more indoor games.

"States like Punjab have indoor sports complexes. So we also came up with the idea of opening a table tennis academy. Once we did it, the ideas started building up and we also opened a snooker academy. We also brought X Box and play station from Dubai. In next three months, we will also have a gym here and a kid zone for children under the age of 12," Mehran told ANI.

The youth of Kashmir appreciated the steps taken by locals, saying that sports activities are helping them to build their concentration and mind power.

A local, playing at the game centre, said, "We have maximum of the indoor games. Interested people are coming from outskirts because they like the environment here. The facilities that we get here are unmatched. We are satisfied and happy with the facilities."

"Kashmir has unpredictable weather. So, instead of sitting at home and watching television, it is best to play indoor games. It helps us to build our mind power as well," another youth said.

Recently, Kashmiri cricketer Manzoor Pandey was brought by Indian Premier League franchise Kings XI Punjab for the 11th edition of the tournament. Since then, he has been serving as an inspiration to the young players of the state.

Speaking of Manzoor, a boy said, " If a person invests his time in a sport and works hard to represent himself, then he can earn his daily bread through it.