Leh, July 02: Prominent Taekwondo player Shahnaz Parveen met with the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), to discuss several pressing issues impacting athletes and students in the region. The meeting, which highlighted the challenges faced by sports enthusiasts and the need for enhanced safety measures for girl students, saw constructive discussions and immediate directives from the Lt Governor.
During the meeting, Shahnaz Parveen emphasized the necessity of a dedicated training hall where she and other aspiring Taekwondo players could train. She pointed out the current lack of proper facilities, which hampers the training and development of athletes in Ladakh. Additionally, she requested a review of the sports quota introduced by the Ladakh Police for recruitment to various posts, suggesting that the current system might benefit from adjustments to better support athletes.
Another significant topic raised by Parveen was the implementation of a scholarship rule in Ladakh. She advocated for a structured scholarship program to support young athletes financially, enabling them to pursue their sports careers without economic constraints. Furthermore, she urged the framing of a comprehensive Sports Policy by the Youth Services and Sports (YSS) Department, which would provide clear guidelines and support for sports development in the region.
Parveen also brought attention to the safety and convenience of girl students residing in hostels in Jammu. She requested the provision of bus services for these students to ensure their safe transportation to and from their hostels.
In response to the issues raised, the Lt Governor directed the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Secretary YSS, Dr. Thakchos, to take immediate action. He instructed Dr. Thakchos to provide Shahnaz Parveen with the necessary space for her training. Additionally, he asked for a review of the weightage given to written exams, physical, and practical tests for the sports quota in posts advertised by the Ladakh Police. The Lt Governor also directed that the draft Sports Policy be made available in the public domain for feedback and further refinement.
Regarding the safety concerns of girl students in Jammu, Lt Governor Mishra requested Dr. Thakchos to take up the issue of providing bus services with the Secretary of Transport, ensuring that the needs of the students are met promptly.
Earlier, Shahnaz informed the LG that she is the first female Ladakhi taekwondo player to qualify for the Chengdu FISU World University Games and also the first one from Ladakh to secure 8th place in the finals of the Group Women Under 30 category at the 8th Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championship held in Vietnam.
Commissioner Secretary to the LG, L Franklin, IAS was present in the meeting.
