REGIONAL BOOST: Union Minister promises speedy development in new Union Territory Ladakh
In a boost to sports training in the region, Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Anurag Thakur, in his first official visit to the newly created Union Territory of Ladakh on Tuesday, announced the opening of a Cricket and Sports Academy in Leh.
Thakur, who arrived in Leh for a two-day visit, is one of the few ministers to have visited the area since the alteration of the region's status. He interacted with local stakeholders along with members of the 15th Finance Commission to understand the issues and challenges in the region and assured of speedy development.
The former BCCI President has a reputation for being a sports-savvy and skilled sports administrator.
Addressing the youth, Thakur said, "For the past many years, it has been my endeavour that good players get the right platform to showcase their talent. I am very happy to tell you that we have we achieved unprecedented success in the field since the construction of HPCA Cricket Stadium in Dharamsala and we have got very positive results from the State Olympic Games and Sports Hall. I believe that sports have an important role in character building and that is why I propose to establish an academy in Leh."
Additionally, reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pledge of a plastic-free India, Thakur was seen collecting plastic bottles and garbage at Khardong La Pass at an elevation of 18,000 feet above sea level. He also emphasised on the need to tackle plastic pollution and climate change. "Congratulations to the Lehwasis for using glass bottles labelled 'reuse, reduce, recycle', instead of plastic. With this step, a strong message will be sent for the eradication of plastic in the world, and the Prime Minister's dream of a plastic-free India can be realised," said Thakur.
Thakur, along with the Indian Army, also hoisted the national flag and raised slogans of national pride at the military base at Khardung La Pass.
Zee Media Newsroom
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