Sports Council To Nurture Sports, Players In Untapped Belts Of J&K: Secy Gul

JAMMU, Apr 13: Seeking the cooperation of the sports associations to play a key role in reaching out to the masses, the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council is all set to nurture sports and players in the unexplored and untapped belts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Convening a meeting with the office bearers of all recognized Sports Associations here at Maulana Azad Stadium to finalize calendar and roadmap for sports for the year 2025-26, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, as per the members attended the meeting, on Sunday said that concerning the vision of the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the development of sports, the Government will support all the initiatives in whichever manner it will be possible.
Focussing on the rural and border belts, the Secretary said that the sporting activities will be extended to the far-flung, unexplored and tribal areas, adding, “We have to take sports to the untapped areas where there is no dearth of talent. We have to catch them young, nurture them under the guidance of professional coaches and mentors to make disciplines result-oriented.”
Gul, however, appealed to the sports associations to play their role in making it possible, besides getting national leagues to be hosted in Jammu and Kashmir, for which whatever help will be required to be extended in hosting national events, J&K Sports Council will not hesitate to do so.
Moreover, the members revealed that the Secretary also called upon the sports associations having factionalism to find a middle path and jointly come to a common platform so that the activities do not get hampered and the players do not get confused.
Meanwhile, she also asked the respective associations the national medallist from various disciplines who are entitled for the cash award, must put up their applications for the benefits, adding, “J&K government is also focussing on launching academies across the Jammu and Kashmir for which associations must come forward to accomplish the dream of making Jammu and Kashmir a hub of sports.”
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister on March 7 allocated a capital expenditure of Rs 152.69 crore for 2025-26 for the sports sector, an increase of Rs36.91 crore from the revised allocation of 2024-25.
“Jammu and Kashmir is poised to become a leading sports hub with ongoing investments in infrastructure and facilities. The establishment of 100 Khelo India Centres, development of sports complexes, and synthetic turfs in key stadia set the foundation for a vibrant sports ecosystem,” Abdullah had said while presenting his first budget in the UT Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah had said, “Our government is committed to transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of sporting excellence by creating world-class infrastructure and opportunities for athletes,” adding, “our Government will be establishing National Centres of Excellence for Water Sports at Dal Lake in Srinagar and Basohli in Jammu, providing state-of-the-art training facilities for water sports enthusiasts.”
He also stated that special focus will be given to empowering coaches through capacity-building initiatives.
“Special emphasis will be placed on involving the rural and tribal population in games, fostering a culture of sports at the grassroots level,” Abdullah had said adding that through these comprehensive initiatives, it is aimed to nurture talent, promote fitness, and position Jammu and Kashmir as a premier sporting destination in the country.
The meeting, chaired by the Secretary, J&K Sports Council, was attended by Presidents and General Secretaries of the respective associations, focused on finalizing the calendar of sports activities at the District, UT, and National levels for the year 2025-26.
Gul emphasized the importance of making sports accessible to all potential athletes in every corner of Jammu and Kashmir.
She further assured the Associations of full support from the Jammu and Kashmir Government aimed at transforming J&K into a vibrant sports hub.
The Secretary emphasized collaborative efforts and strategic planning to ensure the inclusive and sustained growth of sports in J&K.
The participating associations also shared their suggestions and proposals aimed at strengthening the grassroots and elite sports ecosystem with a mutual commitment to work in tandem for the promotion of sporting excellence and to provide greater opportunities for youth engagement through sports. (AGENCIES)

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