Kathua stadium not in dilapidated condition: J&K Govt

Jammu, Mar 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday dismissed that the Sports Stadium in Kathua was in a deteriorated state, asserting that recent infrastructural developments have improved the facility.

This response came in reply to a question raised by legislator Dr. Bharat Bhushan in the ongoing budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, asking whether it was a fact that Sports Stadium Kathua is in a dilapidated condition and that the steps taken for its development during the last three years indicate also the physical and financial progress made so far.

The minister in charge while responding said that the stadium has seen significant upgrades in the past three years, including the construction of a boxing rink and a change room at a cost of Rs 28 lakh.

Additionally, a multipurpose indoor sports hall at Billawar and a water sports centre at Basholi have been completed under the PMDP and Khelo India schemes.

“Six (06) Khelo lndia Centres have been established in district Kathua under Khelo lndia Scheme/ PMDP Scheme in which 200 players per day are getting training under qualified mento coaches, which aims to promote the development of sports in the area,” the government said in its reply.

When asked whether the government contemplates establishing an indoor sports stadium in Kathua, the government responded that there was no such proposal with the Department.

“ln case of any demand feasibility shall be examined subject to encumbrance free land and financial resources.

The government also clarified that there are no current plans to construct new sports stadiums in Lakhanpur and Nagri.