New Delhi/Jammu, January 30:
In a major push for youth empowerment and nation-building, Sat Sharma, BJP Jammu & Kashmir President and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, successfully advocated for advanced sports infrastructure for the Union Territory during the ongoing parliamentary session.
His intervention drew a detailed response from Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighting a massive expansion of the Khelo India network across all 20 districts of J&K.
100 Khelo India Centres: A “Special Dispensation”
Responding to an unstarred question by Sat Sharma, the Union Minister revealed that J&K has received unprecedented attention under the PM Modi-led government.
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District Coverage: The Ministry has notified five Khelo India Centres (KICs) per district, a special arrangement that has resulted in 100 functional centres across the UT.
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Diverse Disciplines: These centres are equipped to train youth in football, hockey, wrestling, boxing, badminton, volleyball, athletics, martial arts, and various indigenous sports.
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Inclusive Growth: The network ensures that modern training facilities are accessible to youth in both bustling urban hubs and the most remote border areas.
Funding for Excellence
While funds are allocated scheme-wise rather than state-wise, the data presented in the Rajya Sabha underscores a massive financial commitment to sports development that benefits J&K: Financial Year (2023-24); Khelo India Expenditure(₹872.20 Crore) and NSDF Expenditure (₹150.18 Crore). Financial Year (2024-25); Khelo India Expenditure (₹620.75 Crore) and NSDF Expenditure (₹101.51 Crore).
“Sports is Nation-Building”
Speaking after the session, Sat Sharma emphasized that his focus on sports infrastructure is a strategic move to provide constructive avenues for J&K’s youth.
“Sports are not merely about competition but about nation-building and social transformation. Our vision is to make Jammu & Kashmir a hub of sporting excellence, integrating our youth firmly into the national mainstream through opportunity.” — Sat Sharma, MP
The Road Ahead
While the government clarified that there is currently no proposal for a National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) specifically for water sports, the existing Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Srinagar continues to nurture high-performance athletes. Sharma reaffirmed his commitment to persistently raising people-centric issues to ensure J&K receives its rightful share of national growth.
