SRINAGAR: The sports culture of J&K is developing with a new spirit of enthusiasm and entering a phase where play fields and indoor stadiums remain abuzz with sports activities all through and J&K Sports Council is fully committed to bringing out the best sporting talents to the fore.
Though from time-to-time interventions for making the union territory of J&K a sports hub were made, the Khelo India centers specifically allotted to J&K have given further impetus to sporting culture in J&K. The Khelo India centers have reached all the districts of J&K and its number has swelled above hundred now. The centers hone the abilities of the young talent of J&K, and for this purpose, the past champions and qualified coaches for each center were appointed who provide training and mentorship to the budding talent in various sports disciplines.
While J&K Sports Council is working on a multi-pronged strategy for the promotion of sports in the region and developing state-of-the-art sports infrastructure and creating modern facilities for the all-round development of youth, the continued support to budding sportspersons from the far-flung and other areas which did not figure on the sports map earlier is laying a solid foundation for grooming of the talent for the higher platforms.
In addition to scouting the best talent in the district, each of these centers lays special emphasis on taking sports to the grassroots level and acting as an alternative arrangement for the places where no sports activities existed earlier.
The Khelo India center in Banihal is promoting the most popular game in the area, Volleyball. With more than 55 players, including 25 female trainees all the players try to give their best during the class and coincidently each one of them dreams to play for the country and make a name in sports. The center trains both senior and junior players.
The Indoor sports complex in Bhagwati Nagar Jammu houses Khelo India Centre for Wushu. With 40 trainees registered in the center, the trainees are seen practicing the skill much after the classes are over. Similarly, Khelo India Kho Kho center in Chatroo Kishtwar has enrolled 35 trainees in the center who are also pursuing their dream to train and upskill in the most popular sport in the area.
Thanks to the Khelo India initiative, several talented athletes across Jammu and Kashmir have been given a platform to showcase their skills and get the necessary exposure and training to excel in their respective sports. The Khelo India centers have been instrumental in tapping into the sporting potential of the region and nurturing it from a grassroots level.
Most of the Khelo India centers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, highly qualified coaches, and a range of training programs that cater to the needs of athletes from various age groups and disciplines. This has not only helped in the overall development of sports in the region but has also encouraged more and more children to take up sports as a viable career option.
In recent years, the demand for more Khelo India centers has significantly increased as sports enthusiasts and parents are realizing the immense potential that these centers have in shaping young talent. With the increasing demand, it is hoped that more Khelo India centers will be set up across J&K is expected to produce top-class athletes and contribute to the country’s sporting legacy.
