In a significant move for sports in Jammu and Kashmir, Satish Sharma, the Minister for Youth Services and Sports, met with Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, today in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed vital strategies for boosting sports infrastructure and fostering youth engagement in the region.
During the meeting, Sharma presented a comprehensive memorandum that emphasized the J&K Government’s ambition to transform the Union Territory into a vibrant hub for sports and youth development. This memorandum was a well-articulated plan to enhance sports across multiple levels, focusing on key areas like infrastructure development, athlete welfare, and grassroots participation.
The proposals outlined in the memorandum align with the National Sports Policy 2025 and the J&K Sports Policy 2022, reflecting a strategic approach to sports development. Sharma articulated the need for Union Government support in accelerating the construction of world-class facilities. This includes the establishment of the National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence at Gulmarg, modernization of district stadiums, and infrastructure that can withstand all weather conditions.
Moreover, Sharma highlighted the necessity of creating sports amenities at the panchayat level to provide equal opportunities for rural youth. He pointed out that enhancing access at the grassroots level is crucial to discovering and nurturing local talent.
Sharma also stressed the importance of expanding Khelo India grassroots programs, which aim to promote sports from the very foundational level. He proposed increasing scholarships and financial aid for athletes, as well as integrating sports science and physiotherapy into training regimens. Additionally, he advocated for promoting public-private partnerships (PPP) to effectively manage sports infrastructure moving forward.
Recognizing the potential for tourism, Sharma proposed the hosting of international winter sports events in Gulmarg as a strategy to showcase Jammu and Kashmir as a premier global destination for winter and adventure sports. This initiative could significantly boost local economies while also drawing worldwide attention.
On the financial front, Sharma requested the Union Government to expedite the release of ₹103.82 crore under the Khelo India initiative to complete essential sports infrastructure projects. This investment is vital for the growth and development of sports in the region.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, while responding to Sharma’s proposals, assured the minister that a dedicated policy for promoting rural sports would be formulated soon. He also expressed his commitment to providing funds for sports equipment that would support existing and future initiatives aimed at enhancing sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
The discussions today mark a pivotal step towards elevating sports infrastructure and youth development in Jammu and Kashmir, setting a foundation for a more robust sporting framework in the Union Territory.
