Jammu, Sep 29: National Conference additional general secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Tuesday called for creating adequate infrastructure and a conducive atmosphere to channelize the energy, talent and aspirations of the youth towards constructive activities and overall growth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Inaugurating Chinore Night Cricket Tournament 2026 in loving memory of Rahil Mughal a known cricketer at Chinore Bantalab in Jammu North assembly constituency, which was organised by Rohit Chopra and Aarif Chouhan, Sadhotra said sports provided an effective platform for young people to showcase their talent, build discipline and develop a spirit of teamwork and healthy competition. Before starting the tournament, high tributes were paid to late Rahil Mughal cricketer and two-minute silence was observed and national anthem was also sung.
32 teams, comprising over 500 players, are participating in the tournament. He said the youth possessed immense potential and required proper facilities, opportunities and institutional support to realize their aspirations.
“Our young people have energy, talent and dreams. It is the responsibility of society and the government to provide them the infrastructure and opportunities through which this energy can be channelized towards constructive and productive pursuits,” he said.
Sadhotra said sports should not be viewed merely as recreation but as an important instrument of youth development. He said adequate playgrounds, sports equipment, coaching facilities and opportunities for participation in competitions could help identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level.
He hailed the efforts of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in giving due attention to youth empowerment, saying that the present government had placed the interests and aspirations of young people high on its agenda.
“The youth are the biggest asset of Jammu and Kashmir. Their empowerment has to remain at the centre of our development strategy. Providing them opportunities in education, sports, skill development, entrepreneurship and employment is essential for building a confident and progressive society,” he said.
Sadhotra said Jammu and Kashmir had a large pool of talented youngsters who had brought laurels to the region in different fields. However, he added, many aspiring sportspersons and young achievers lacked access to adequate facilities, coaching and platforms to compete at higher levels.
He called for strengthening sports infrastructure in urban as well as rural areas, with special focus on local playgrounds and community-level facilities. He said every young person should have access to safe and properly maintained spaces for sports and other constructive activities.
Sadhotra also appreciated the organizers, players and local residents for organising the night cricket match, saying such initiatives helped bring communities together and encouraged young people to remain engaged in healthy activities.
He said cricket and other sports could play an important role in promoting discipline, camaraderie and a positive competitive spirit among the younger generation.
The National Conference additional general secretary said youth empowerment could not be achieved through government efforts alone and called for greater participation of civil society, sports organizations, educational institutions and local communities.
He said the government, while creating infrastructure and opportunities, must also ensure that deserving youngsters receive adequate exposure and support to develop their skills.
Sadhotra expressed hope that more such sporting events would be organised across Jammu North and other parts of the region, providing local talent with opportunities to perform, compete and grow.
He reiterated that the National Conference remained committed to the welfare and empowerment of the youth and said their aspirations would continue to receive priority in the party’s political and developmental agenda.
NC leader appreciated efforts of Rohit Chopra and Aarif Chouhan for organising such an event.
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