Foundation stone laid for J&K's first football academy

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today laid the foundation stone of the state's first football academy at Ushkara near here.
The building complex for the football academy at Ushkara in Baramulla, 55 kms from here, will be built in two phases by Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) at a cost of Rs 10 crore under its corporate social responsibility scheme.
Omar described the setting up of the academy as a path-breaking event in the development of sports, particularly of football which has remained the most popular sports in the Valley for a long time.
The Chief Minister said sports talent in Jammu and Kashmir was second to none and his government has taken necessary measures to provide opportunity to youth to prove their ability at the national and international levels.

Omar said that the establishment of the football academy would increase football activity in the state, particularly in Baramulla district where people are fond of the game.
He said young players would be provided training to sharpen their skills and help them excel in this field.

The Chief Minister said the government has given due attention to the development of sports in the state and a network of sports fields and stadia are being developed in all the districts of the state.
Omar asked the youth to take part in sports activities and bring Jammu and Kashmir on the sports map of the country.

He said government would provide all possible help to sports organisations and sportspersons to realise their dream.
Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Taj Mohi-ud-Din listed the measures his government has taken to give fillip to the sports activities in the state.