A young talented cricketer from Zainapora hamlet of South Kashmir’s Shopian district who has shown his talent at mega stages wants to represent Jammu Kashmir at national level.
Zakir Khan, 20, a BA student from main Zainapora Shopian, who lost his father over a decade ago, is facing a lot of problems due to financial crunch to achieve his dreams.
While talking with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Khan said due to his family responsibility, he is not able to pursue his dreams.
“I am the only earning hand in my family due to which I am unable to focus on my studies and sports activities,” Khan said.
Zakir has showcased his skills in both bowling and batting by winning over 100 man of the match and over 40 man of series awards at mega stages. He was even selected for JKCA U 19 trials but wasn’t able to join due to financial issues.
“There are many talented players like me who are able to display their talent at different stages but their dreams like mine get shattered due to financial crunch,” he said.
Khan said that the government must support talented youth so that they can display their talent and make everyone proud while adding that he hasn’t received any support from the government till date.
“There is a need to engage youth in sports activities as drug menace is spreading like forest fire. Besides that, the government must support poor talented people so that they can show their talent and engage youth both and girls in sport activities so as to keep our younger generation away from drugs,” Khan said.
“I request LG governor, director youth services and sports and district magistrate Shopian to help sports players like me financially so that I can achieve my dream.”—(KNO)