In a significant meeting held in New Delhi, Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, urged Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, to enhance support for developing sports infrastructure and promoting youth engagement in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting revolved around strengthening J&K’s sports framework to nurture athletic talent and bolster youth development initiatives. Sharma presented a comprehensive memorandum that outlines the government’s commitment to transforming the Union Territory into a thriving hub for sports.
This memorandum included strategic proposals focusing on infrastructure development, athlete welfare, and grassroots participation, ensuring alignment with the National Sports Policy 2025 and the J&K Sports Policy 2022.
Sharma specifically called for Union Government assistance to accelerate the development of critical sports facilities. Key among these is the proposed National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence at Gulmarg. Sharma emphasized the need to modernize district stadiums to include all-weather infrastructure and to create sports amenities at the panchayat level, ensuring equitable access for rural youth.
In his address, Sharma highlighted the potential of Khelo India grassroots programs and advocated for the expansion of scholarships and financial aid for athletes. He also stressed integrating sports science and physiotherapy into training regimens to optimize athlete preparation. Public-private partnerships (PPP) emerged as a pivotal theme in Sharma’s discourse, aimed at enhancing the management of sports infrastructure.
Moreover, to bolster sports-linked tourism, Sharma proposed hosting international winter sports events in Gulmarg. This initiative would position Jammu and Kashmir as a leading destination for winter sports and adventure tourism, potentially bringing global exposure and opportunities for local athletes.
To underline the urgency of these initiatives, Sharma requested the early release of ₹103.82 crore under Khelo India, essential for completing ongoing and critical sports infrastructure projects in the region.
In response, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya assured Sharma of the Union Government’s commitment. He expressed that a dedicated policy for promoting rural sports would soon emerge, and funding for sports equipment would be allocated to support both ongoing and future initiatives.
This meeting marks a pivotal moment for sports development in Jammu and Kashmir, as both ministers underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in realizing a robust sports framework. Enhanced support from the Union Government aims to not only uplift athletes but also empower the youth of J&K through sports.
