The Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, met with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today in New Delhi. The meeting focused on enhancing sports infrastructure and youth engagement across Jammu and Kashmir. Sharma presented a comprehensive memorandum underscoring the J&K Government’s commitment to transforming the region into a vibrant hub for sports and youth empowerment.
The memorandum outlined essential proposals targeting infrastructure development, athlete welfare, and grassroots participation, aligning with the National Sports Policy 2025 and the J&K Sports Policy 2022. These discussions reflect a significant effort to elevate the standards of sports in the region and invest in the potential of local youth.
Sharma advocated for Union Government assistance to hasten the development of world-class facilities, highlighting the need for the National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence at Gulmarg. This facility aims to not only nurture local talent but also attract national and international sporting events. Moreover, he underscored the modernization of district stadiums to provide all-weather infrastructure and the creation of sports amenities at the panchayat level to ensure equitable access for all, particularly rural youth.
The Minister also pushed for the expansion of the Khelo India grassroots programs. He emphasized the importance of enhancing scholarships and financial aid for aspiring athletes, integrating sports science and physiotherapy into training systems, and fostering public-private partnerships (PPP) for effective management of sports infrastructure.
In addition to infrastructure, Sharma proposed hosting international winter sports events in Gulmarg. Such events would not only promote sports-linked tourism but also position Jammu & Kashmir as a premier global destination for winter and adventure sports.
Highlighting the dire need for funding, Sharma requested the early release of ₹103.82 crore under Khelo India for the completion of critical sports infrastructure projects. This funding will be crucial in fast-tracking various initiatives and ensuring timely implementation of programs aimed at youth engagement.
Responding positively, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya assured Sharma that a dedicated policy for promoting rural sports would be formulated soon. He also committed to providing funds for sports equipment, supporting both ongoing and forthcoming initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.
The engagement between Sharma and Mandaviya underscores a significant step towards bolstering sports infrastructure and youth development programs in Jammu and Kashmir. With these discussions, the region aims to enhance its profile in the sporting world and provide better opportunities for its youth. The transformative vision articulated by the J&K Government, in conjunction with the Union Ministry, could pave the way for a new era of athletic excellence in the Union Territory.
