Srinagar, Oct 7 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday inaugurated a ?30.35-crore sports infrastructure package at Sher-i-Kashmir Multi Sports Activity Centre (SKMSAC), Gindun Rajbagh, featuring an Olympic-sized swimming pool, all-weather training and toddler pools, and a modern indoor gymnastics hall.

The newly inaugurated facilities include a 50-metre × 25-metre, 10-lane Olympic-sized swimming pool constructed at a cost of ?19.96 crore, a ?5.35-crore heated training and toddler swimming pool, and a ?5.04-crore indoor gymnastics hall equipped with modern facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar Abdullah said the infrastructure would provide young people with opportunities to take up new sporting disciplines and enable athletes to train throughout the year.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“For the first time, there is an Olympic-sized swimming pool in Kashmir. Now, there is an arrangement for heating, which will be done through solar energy so that children can practice and train here for 12 months a year,” he said.

Referring to the gymnastics facility, the Chief Minister said children in Kashmir had considerable interest in the sport but lacked dedicated infrastructure.

The Chief Minister witnessed swimming and gymnastics demonstrations by sportspersons and trainees at the newly developed facilities.

Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs and senior civil and sports department officers were present on the occasion. (KNS)