Jammu, Sep 29 (KNS): National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Monday called for creating adequate infrastructure and a conducive environment to channelise the energy, talent and aspirations of youth towards constructive activities and the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sadhotra was speaking after inaugurating the Chinore Night Cricket Tournament 2026, organised in memory of late cricketer Rahil Mughal at Chinore Bantalab in Jammu North Assembly Constituency.

The tournament, organised by Rohit Chopra and Aarif Chouhan, has attracted 32 teams comprising more than 500 players, according to the organisers.

Before the start of the tournament, tributes were paid to Mughal and a two-minute silence was observed. The National Anthem was also sung.

“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 channelised towards constructive and productive pursuits,” Sadhotra said.

He said sports provide an effective platform for young people to showcase their talent, develop discipline and foster teamwork and healthy competition.

Sadhotra stressed the need for adequate playgrounds, sports equipment, coaching facilities and opportunities to participate in competitions, saying such measures could help identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level.

He said Jammu and Kashmir had a large pool of talented youngsters who had brought laurels to the region in different fields, but many aspiring sportspersons and young achievers lacked access to adequate facilities, coaching and platforms.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Calling for strengthening sports infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, Sadhotra said special attention should be given to local playgrounds and community-level facilities.

“The youth are the biggest asset of Jammu and Kashmir. Their empowerment has to remain at the centre of our development strategy,” he said, adding that opportunities in education, sports, skill development, entrepreneurship and employment were essential for building a confident and progressive society.

Sadhotra also appreciated the efforts of the tournament organisers, players and local residents, saying such sporting events help bring communities together and encourage young people to engage in healthy activities.

He said youth empowerment could not be achieved through government efforts alone and called for greater participation of civil society, sports organisations, educational institutions and local communities.

Sadhotra also praised the efforts of Rohit Chopra and Aarif Chouhan in organising the tournament and expressed hope that more such events would be held across Jammu North and other parts of the region.

Among those present were former corporator Subash Bhagat, Sandeep Singh Manhas, in-charge of 14 urban wards of Jammu North, Veerji Bhat, Vishwajeet Singh Sambyal, Tilak Raj Bhagat, Advocate Ashwani Bhagat, Yashpal Bhagat, Rakesh Kapahi, Sonu Mahajan and Sumit Gupta.(KNS)