New Delhi, Jan 10:
In a landmark move to transform Jammu and Kashmir into India’s next sports powerhouse, J&K Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, met with Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today.
The Minister submitted a multi-sectoral memorandum aimed at building world-class infrastructure, securing international cricket for the UT, and creating thousands of jobs for border youth through sports.
Bringing International Cricket to the Valley & Jammu
A major highlight of the proposal is the demand for International-Standard Cricket Stadiums in both Srinagar and Jammu.
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The Goal: To host national (IPL) and international fixtures.
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Hiranagar Revival: Sharma sought the urgent revival of the stalled Arun Jaitley International Cricket Stadium project at Hiranagar to serve as a landmark for the Jammu region.
The ‘Border Sports Development Circuit’
To harness talent in far-flung areas, the Minister proposed a dedicated circuit spanning: Kathua–Samba, Akhnoor–Chhamb, Poonch–Nowshera–Rajouri, Uri–Baramulla–Kupwara and Karnah–Gurez.
The proposal includes special grants for Dangal Akharas, cycling tracks, and football fields in every border panchayat.
To promote employment through sports, Satish Sharma requested financial support of ₹600 crore over five years for establishing 10 Border Sports & Employment Hubs (BS-EH)—five each in Jammu and Kashmir—equipped with multi-sport facilities, skill training classrooms and residential infrastructure. He also proposed a Border Youth Sports Apprenticeship Programme with an outlay of ₹300 crore, a Coaches & Trainers Wage Support Scheme of ₹150 crore, and a High-Altitude & Winter Sports Livelihood Programme of ₹120 crore for areas like Gurez, Tangdhar and Teetwal.
National Hub for Water & Winter Sports
Sharma projected J&K as the ultimate destination for adventure sports:
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Basohli (Kathua): Proposed as a National Water Sports Centre of Excellence at the Ranjit Sagar Dam.
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Gulmarg: Requested the immediate release of funds and engagement of international consultants for the long-pending National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence.
Professionalizing the System
To ensure the infrastructure doesn’t go to waste, the Minister proposed:
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Special Coaches Engagement Scheme: Hiring international-level coaches for priority disciplines like Gymnastics and Winter Sports.
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NYC Regularization: Utilizing registered NYCs (National Youth Corps) as a skilled human resource base.
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Modern Youth Hostels: Building state-of-the-art accommodation in Jammu and Srinagar under the Khelo India framework.
“With focused national support, our youth can become global champions while sports becomes a powerful engine for employment and tourism,” said Minister Satish Sharma following the meeting.
