GUWAHATI, May 31 � Sports Minister of Assam Ajit Singh said his first priority will be to develop sports infrastructure in the rural areas of the State so that talent could be nurtured at the grassroot level.
Singh while attending a press function organised by Assam Sports Journalists Association at the Landmark Hotels here today said that the Rajiv Gandhi stadiums in all the blocks have to be given a face-lift so that youngsters get the necessary infrastructure to fine tune their skills. He also said that the stadiums in rural areas will be looked after properly and it will be ensured that there is no shortage of equipment.
The Sports Minister emphasised on the need to increase the budget allocation to the Sports Department. Singh, thanking Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for giving him the portfolio, said he would urge the Chief Minister to increase the budget so that various schemes for developing of sports could be introduced at the earliest.
Singh, who has been a sportsperson himself and closely associated with various sports organisation, said the school tournaments, which are the breeding grounds of young talent, must be organised in a proper way.
On proper maintenance of infrastructure built for the National Games, Singh revealed that as the assets belong to the State, it is their responsibility to maintain it properly. For that, as suggested by the Chief Minister, a corporate fund has to be initiated so that there is no financial constraints for the proper maintenance of the stadiums.
Singh assured to provide financial help to sportspersons who are planning to go overseas for training and during national level coaching camps. He said that with guidance from former sportspersons and departmental officials he hoped he will be able to improve the sporting scenario of the State.
Singh also sincerely believes there should not be any politics in sports and all the officials and sportspersons should join hands for the betterment of sports in the State.
