The Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, met with the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today in New Delhi. The meeting focused on enhancing sports infrastructure and youth engagement in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharma presented a comprehensive memorandum outlining key initiatives aimed at transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a vibrant hub for sports development and youth empowerment. He emphasized the need for government support to create modern sports facilities.
The memorandum included proposals for infrastructure development, athlete welfare, and grassroots participation. This aligns with the National Sports Policy 2025 and the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Policy 2022. These policies aim to foster an environment conducive to athletic excellence.
In his discussions, Sharma highlighted the importance of developing world-class facilities, particularly the National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence at Gulmarg. He advocated for the modernization of district stadiums with state-of-the-art infrastructure and the creation of sports amenities at the panchayat level. This initiative aims to provide equitable access for youth, especially in rural areas.
Sharma also called for the expansion of Khelo India grassroots programs. He urged the integration of sports science and physiotherapy into training systems to better prepare athletes for competitive sports. Additionally, he stressed the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) to efficiently manage sports infrastructure.
One of the centerpiece proposals from Sharma was to promote sports-linked tourism and global exposure by hosting international winter sports events in Gulmarg. This could significantly position Jammu and Kashmir as a premier global destination for winter and adventure sports.
To facilitate these endeavors, he requested the early release of ₹103.82 crore under Khelo India, which would aid in completing vital sports infrastructure projects across the territory.
In response, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya assured Sharma that a dedicated policy for promoting rural sports will be formulated soon. He also confirmed that funds for essential sports equipment would be allocated to support existing and future initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.
