Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, met with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, on October 10 in New Delhi, to discuss initiatives aimed at bolstering sports infrastructure and promoting youth development in Jammu and Kashmir. This meeting comes as part of the Jammu & Kashmir Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance athletic excellence in the region.
Sharma presented a comprehensive memorandum during discussions, reaffirming the commitment of the J&K Government towards transforming the Union Territory into a hub for sports and empowering youth through various initiatives.
The memorandum outlined vital proposals focusing on infrastructure development, athlete welfare, and grassroots participation. These proposals align with both the National Sports Policy 2025 and the J&K Sports Policy 2022, setting a clear framework for development.
Among the key requests, Sharma sought the Union Government’s support for the creation of world-class facilities. This includes the National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence at Gulmarg and the modernization of district stadiums to ensure they offer all-weather infrastructure. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of establishing sports facilities at the panchayat level to guarantee equitable access for rural youth.
The minister proposed the expansion of Khelo India grassroots programs to foster talent from a young age. He also advocated for increased financial assistance and scholarships for athletes, integration of sports science and physiotherapy into training systems, and exploration of public-private partnerships (PPP) for the effective management of sports infrastructure.
In a bid to enhance Jammu & Kashmir’s profile as a sports tourism destination, Sharma suggested hosting international winter sports events in Gulmarg. This move would not only boost local tourism but also position the region as a premier destination for winter and adventure sports.
The Minister also stressed the urgency of the early release of ₹103.82 crore under Khelo India for the completion of vital sports infrastructure projects, which he believes will further uplift the sporting culture in Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to Sharma’s proposals, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya assured that a dedicated policy for promoting rural sports would soon be formulated. He also committed to allocating funds for sports equipment to support existing and future initiatives aimed at enhancing the sports landscape across the country.
Sharma’s meeting with Mandaviya highlights the ongoing commitment to developing sports in Jammu and Kashmir, presenting an optimistic outlook toward achieving significant milestones through collaborative efforts between state and national sports authorities.
