Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that youngsters from Jammu and Kashmir are interested in participating in sports and his Ministry is actively making plans for different cities and villages of the region to conduct sports activities. 

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Rijiju on youth in Jammu & Kashmir

"Yesterday, I met a number of young people from Jammu and Kashmir. They want to take part in sports. We are making plans for different cities and villages, we will take everyone along," Rijiju said while speaking to reporters after flagging of Great Ganga Run Marathon at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was also present at the Marathon’s launch. 

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Government's sports-based initiatives  

On August 5, The Government of India in a historic decision, revoked Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and reorganized the state as two Union Territories namely Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. After the reorganization, Central Government along with local bodies has been taking initiatives to promote sports in the region which is being hailed as an excellent initiative. They are being given opportunities to join the security forces too. 

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Sunil Kumar, District Youth Service and Sports officer of Kathua while speaking to ANI said, "Sports is important to stay fit and healthy. Sportspersons are given the opportunity to join the security forces too as they have the stamina to face any situation, whether it be on the hills or plains. The department has set up an annual calendar to give an opportunity to the youth, including girls, to participate in various games." 

"After the first part of Khelo India, the second part of the same will be completed shortly. At present inter-school and district level games are being played in the sports stadium, Kathua. Young men and women have been taking part in it in large numbers," he added.

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