Srinagar, 04 June(KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President and Member of the Parliament from Srinagar Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday dedicated the first of its kind hydraulic roller to Shaheed-e-Millat Sports Stadium at Lal Bazar in Srinagar. 

Costing seven lakh rupees, the avant-garde hydraulic roller was purchased from the Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds of the Party President. The event was convened by In Charge Constituency Zadibal & Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq. 

Among others State Women’s Wing President Shameema Firdous, Senior VP Kashmir Muhammad Syed Akhoon, VP Kashmir Ahsan Pardesi, District President Srinagar Pir Afaq Ahmed, YNC Provincial President Salman Ali Sagar, Provincial Women's Wing President Er. Sabiya Qadri, Publicity secretary GM Mir Saqi, YNC, Women's wing and other local unit functionaries were also present on the occasion. 

Speaking at the event , Dr. Farooq impressed on youngsters to make sports their primary drive. He said, “The roller could not come at a better time, given the strides our youth from Shahar-e-Khas are making at various national and international events in the field of sports. Sports enriches not just players involved but also spectators and those following the game. There has been a long pending demand of the local youth to have an Avant-grade roller for the stadium. I hope the machine profits the players and help them improve their game.”

The importance of sports in our daily lives cannot be questioned, Dr. Farooq said stressing on having sports and extra-curricular activities in schools. “Sports are as important as academic activities. It keeps our youth from delinquent activities and provides them an opportunity to give vent their energies in a positive manner. The disciplined nature of sports protects our children from drug abuse/ addiction." On the occasion, Dr Farooq gave away laudatory certificates to the dignitaries, and sportspersons.(KNS).