Srinagar: Chairperson of Waqf Development Committee of Ministry of Minority Affairs & senior BJP leader, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi today gifted international quality complete Hockey kits to the players of the teams representing the Union Territory of J&K at National level. The event was organized by Hockey JK in continuation with a Hockey festival held a few days ago where Dr Andrabi had promised to donate complete Hockey kits to the players. Event was held at Greenfields playground Gandhinagar at Jammu. Two women teams participated in the event that are going to represent JK in National Junior Hockey Championship being played at Jharkhand and also Senior Women Championship being played at Jhansi. Dr Darakhshan Andrabi was the chief Guest while as Vijay Sharma SSP Narcotics Jammu was the guest of honour. A counseling session of the selected players was conducted in presence of Rajiv Sharma, President of JK Hockey, Rajinder Singh Kuku, Secretary General of JK Hockey and Ashok Singh, Divisional Sports Officer of J&K sports Council. Welcoming Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, JK Hockey President Rajiv Sharma said that these young girls are overwhelmed with your pat and encouragement & your gift means a boost to their capabilities. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Darakhshan praised JK Hockey for their consistent efforts to encourage young players especially women. “Khelo India mission has helped in giving our youth a boost of spirits & the sports infrastructure a huge expansion throughout India including JK. Our local government has initiated special sports incentives and also planned a huge infrastructural development of sports sector in Union territory,” said Dr Darakhshan Andrabi. She appealed to the local business houses of J&K to come forward to sponsor or assist or adopt the teams at UT level so that we are able to create extra facilities and infrastructure for promoting the game. “I believe in the talent of the players of J&K and added facilities and financial support for the players can enhance their capabilities multifold. When the government is putting in huge money into creating facilities for the game, we need to have the support from private business houses & individuals too,” said Dr Andrabi. SSP Narcotics Vijay Sharma said that women power is making the country proud and we are hopeful that J&K women players will also shine make J&K proud at national level. Junior Women Hockey team is leaving for Jharkhand on 17th October while as Senior Women Hockey Team is leaving for Jhansi to play national tournaments. Young players also spoke about their preparations and expectations. In addition to the Coaches Jugal Kishore, Jagjeet Singh & Anil Wadera, other prominent sportspersons present on the occasion included Satpal Singh, Dalvinder Singh, Anil Sharma, Ajay Gupta & Suraj Bhan.
