Jammu, Sep 15 : In a transparent manner, the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has released funds for various purposes in favour of athletes ahead of the 36th National Games scheduled to begin from September 29 in multiple cities of Gujarat.

As per order Number 708 of 2022, the Sports Council sanctioned release of funds to the extent of Rs 6,40,000/- and Rs 66,400/- at the disposal of Sports Officer, Jammu and Sports Officer, Kashmir, respectively.

The funds are released for meeting the expenditure on refreshment of the athletes during coaching period including transportation charges and journey allowance from their respective places to the venue of the camps under Sports Council norms through DBT mode.

The Council however, accorded sanction to the deployment of J&K contingent in the Sports disciplines through respective Sports Associations for participation in the 36th National Games on the recommendations of the Screening Committee.

Total 88 members will be representing J&K Contingent including players, coaches and managers and as per discipline they are comprised of Athletics, 3 (two players), Archery, 15 (12 players), Cycling 2 (one player), Fencing 13 (10 players), Gymnastics 3 (two players), Handball 12 (10 players), Judo nine (seven players), Kayaking and Canoeing, five (four players), Rowing, two (one player), Rifle, three (two players), Roller Skating four, (three players), Wrestling, four (three players), Wushu, nine (seven players), CDM (one manager, one coach), one Nodal Officer, one Observer and one physiotherapist.

The expenditure on boarding lodging of the athletes during coaching period shall be paid directly to the concern agencies on the submission of bills by the respective sports officers, the order read.

It further said that the Sports Officer, Jammu shall also book train tickets of the athletes from Jammu to Ahmedabad and back in three-tier AC Class of the contingent and meet the expenditure on food during to and fro journey.

He will also provide refreshment facilities to the athletes and coaches during match days at venue of the competition under Sports Council norms.

“The expenditure shall be debitable on the account head Special Activities under Revenue Component 2022–23,” said an order.

Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul said, “we want our contingent to perform well at this platform and for that matter, the administration is providing best facilities to them including refreshment, boarding-lodging and transportation.”

“Everything is transparent and the funds have been released for meeting the expenditure,” she said wishing good luck and hoping that Jammu and Kashmir will surely be performing well in the National Games.

She said, “a proper ceremonial dress, customized tracksuits along with other gear and equipment shall be provided to the athletes and officials for participation in the national games.”

On September 10, while reviewing the preparedness and participation of Jammu and Kashmir contingents in the 36th National Games, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez directed all the sports associations to ensure proper selection trials in transparent manner.

He assured that the Sports Council would provide best facilities to athletes under norms to boost their morale and achieve desired results.

Hafeez apprised the representatives that the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is keen to see J&K athletes in action in the “36th National Games” and that he has specifically stressed enhancing the participation of J&K athletes in future events.(UNI)