States »NortPosted at: Jul 17 2021 7:00PM Thakur's rich experience in sports field will catapult it to new heights: J&K athletes
Jammu, Jul 17 (UNI) Having words of appreciation for new Union Sports Minister, Anurag Thaur, Jammu and Kashmir athletes feel that his experiences as a player, will take Indian sports to new heights.
Mr Thakur was appointed country’s 17th Sports Minister, succeeding Mr Kiren Rijiju.
The 46-year-old former Cricket Board President was given responsibility of Sports and Youth Affairs along with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
Sharing thoughts with UNI, the outstanding and international sportspersons from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, felt that sports under Mr Thakur will see a drastic change and definitely be progressing.
The Indian athletes undoubtedly won the hearts of people across the World under his visionary approach, they expressed.
International Wushu Player and Coach Indian Wushu Team, Kuldeep Handoo while extending congratulations to Mr Thakur requested for implementation of ‘One Nation, One Sports Policy’.
“The sportspersons of Jammu and Kashmir have great expectations from the man, who himself has earned name in the field of sports,” said the Dronacharya awardee asserting that better facilities and international level infrastructure is an immediate need for the J&K Sports having great potential that require edge and support from the Ministry of Youth Services and Sports.
Thakur was the President of the BCCI between May 2016 and February 2017.
Before that, he was the secretary of the Board and also headed the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA).
Indian cricketer and committee member, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), Mithun Manhas told UNI that not only cricket, but Indian sports are going to see a new change under his supervision.
“Each and every sport will be getting benefitted and groom under his Ministry. Earlier being BCCI head, he remained an outstanding administrator, boosting cricket to every level across the country,” the Veteran Cricketer, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir said.
“He (Mr Anurag Thakur) has come from a state like Himachal Pradesh but he changed its scenario with context to sports and brought a small place Dharamshala on the World Map through unprecedented development,” said Mr Manhas terming his induction as Sports Minister as commendable.
“I feel that his hard work and commitment for sports has earned him the crucial Ministry and for sure, the entire country is going to be benefitted in coming years,” he expressed.
Former J&K Cricketer and Administrator, Ranjeet Kalra said, “Mr Thakur is a visionary and progressive leader. I have had the good fortune working under him while he was the President of BCCI.”
“He is himself a first class cricketer, understands every aspect of sports and is credited with building world class sports infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh,” said Mr Kalra asserting that he has also organised Himachal Olympics and undertook numerous sports related initiatives.
“We are hopeful and sure that like the entire country, Jammu and Kashmir will also prosper and have better sporting opportunities, infrastructure and all support from the Sports Ministry under him,” he said.
International footballer from Jammu and Kashmir, Arun Malhotra expressed that Mr Thakur as Sports Minister will be fruitful.
He has done a lot for sports. In Himachal Pradesh, he changed the sports structure and as BCCI president, cricket infrastructure was developed, said Mr Malhotra.
The footballer said, “he has a tremendous experience in the field of sports because he remained HPCA president, President of HP Olympic Association and also the BCCI head. What else qualification is required to shape up sports in the country when subject knowing man is heading the Ministry,” he said.
“We are hopeful that things will be on track soon and great days are ahead for Indian athletes,” he said.
Mr Thakur is the first cabinet minister since Mani Shankar Iyer (2006-2008) to get the Sports Ministry's responsibility.
A Member of Parliament from HP's Hamirpur constituency, he was serving as the minister of state for finance and corporate affairs under Nirmala Sitharaman before reshuffle.
His brother Arun Dhumal is currently the treasurer of the BCCI.
Mr Thakur comes into office at a time when the nation's athletes are in the preparations for the Tokyo Olympics from July 23.
UNI VBH SY 1859