In a significant move to bolster sports infrastructure and youth development in Jammu and Kashmir, Satish Sharma, the Minister for Youth Services and Sports, met with Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, today in New Delhi. The duo engaged in detailed discussions on how to uplift athletic excellence and strengthen youth engagement across the Union Territory.
During this productive meeting, Sharma presented a comprehensive memorandum that encapsulated the J&K Government’s intentions to transform the region into a vibrant hub for sports and youth empowerment. Sharma’s proposals aim to align with the National Sports Policy 2025 and the J&K Sports Policy 2022, highlighting crucial areas for development.
The memorandum proposed significant investments in infrastructure development, athlete welfare, and grassroots participation. Sharma urged the Union Government to provide enhanced support for the development of essential sports facilities, including the ambitious National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence in Gulmarg. This facility is poised to be a transformative asset and will elevate training standards and tourism linked to winter sports.
Sharma also highlighted the urgent need for modernizing district stadiums across Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring these infrastructures can withstand various weather conditions. Additionally, he emphasized the creation of sports amenities at the panchayat level to ensure that rural youth have equal access and opportunities to excel in sports.
To advance youth sports, the Minister called for an expansion of Khelo India grassroots programs, a scheme that encourages sporting activities among school children. He urged for an increase in scholarships and financial aid to nurture budding athletes, stressing the importance of integrating sports science and physiotherapy into standard training programs.
Sharma also proposed the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in the management of sports infrastructure, which would crucially enhance efficiency and operational standards within the sports sector. These partnerships could lead to better resource allocation and management, benefiting athletes directly.
Furthermore, to elevate Jammu and Kashmir’s profile on the global sports map, Sharma suggested that international winter sports events be hosted in Gulmarg. This initiative would position the region as a premier destination for winter sports, attracting not only athletes but also sports-linked tourism.
In light of ongoing sports projects requiring urgent funding, Sharma made a compelling case for the early release of ₹103.82 crore under the Khelo India initiative. Timely funding would significantly impact the timely completion of critical sports infrastructure projects.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya responded positively, promising that a dedicated policy for promoting rural sports is on the horizon. He reassured Sharma that funds would be allocated for acquiring essential sports equipment, thereby supporting both ongoing programs and new initiatives.
This meeting marks a pivotal step in enhancing the sporting framework within Jammu and Kashmir, promising the beneficial impact of sports on youth development and community engagement. The commitment from both Sharma and Mandaviya signals a hopeful future for aspiring athletes in the region.
