The Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, met with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in New Delhi today. This crucial meeting focused on improving sports infrastructure, fostering youth engagement, and enhancing athletic excellence in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharma presented a comprehensive memorandum to Mandaviya, highlighting the J&K Government’s commitment to transforming the region into a vibrant sports hub. His proposals emphasized infrastructure development, athlete welfare, and grassroots participation which aligns with both the National Sports Policy 2025 and the J&K Sports Policy 2022.
The memorandum outlines several initiatives aimed at elevating sports in the region. Sharma requested Union Government support to expedite the development of top-tier facilities, particularly the National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence at Gulmarg. He emphasized the importance of modernizing district stadiums with all-weather capabilities and creating essential sports amenities at the panchayat level to ensure rural youth have equitable access.
Sharma also advocated for the expansion of Khelo India grassroots programs, asking for enhanced scholarships and financial aid for athletes. He emphasized the integration of sports science and physiotherapy into training systems. Furthermore, he pushed for the promotion of public-private partnerships (PPP), aiming for more efficient management of sports infrastructure.
To boost sports-linked tourism and provide global exposure for athletes, Sharma proposed hosting international winter sports events in Gulmarg, solidifying Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a premier destination for winter and adventure sports.
Additionally, the Minister requested the quick disbursal of ₹103.82 crore under the Khelo India scheme for the completion of various important sports infrastructure projects.
In response, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya assured Sharma that a dedicated policy for promoting rural sports will soon be established. He also confirmed that funding for sports equipment would be allocated to support both ongoing and planned initiatives aimed at enhancing athletic engagement in the region.
