Jammu: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and Science and Technology, Satish Sharma on Tuesday chaired a review meeting to assess the proposed Sports Calendar 2026–27 and discuss the roadmap for sports development across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Shahid Choudhary, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, and other senior officials.
Reviewing the proposed calendar, Sharma said sports have emerged as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, social transformation and economic development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating world-class sporting opportunities for young athletes from every district and ensuring that talent from even the remotest areas receives adequate exposure and support.
The Minister noted that the proposed calendar covers a broad range of activities, including international and national championships, district-level competitions and community sports programmes. He appreciated the efforts being made to strengthen grassroots sports and build a sustainable sporting ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir.
Expressing satisfaction over the inclusion of major international events, Sharma highlighted the proposed hosting of the South Asian Wushu Championship and the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in Srinagar. He said these events would help place Jammu and Kashmir prominently on the international sporting map while showcasing the region’s capacity to host national and global sporting events.
The Minister also reviewed plans for district leagues in cricket, football and hockey, tribal sports leagues, women’s sports leagues, chess and carrom competitions, athletics meets, cycling events and several youth-focused programmes under the “My Youth, My Pride” initiative.
He stressed the need for broad-based participation of youth, women, tribal communities and specially-abled sportspersons in sporting activities.
Referring to flagship initiatives such as the Women’s Super 10 League, Kashmir Super League, Ganderbal Super League, Pro Kabaddi Championship and Jammu Cyclothon, Sharma said these events would play a crucial role in identifying emerging talent and fostering a vibrant sporting culture across the Union Territory.
Highlighting sports as a vehicle for social change, the Minister appreciated the proposed integration of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan with sporting activities, observing that sports can help steer young people away from substance abuse and towards healthier and more productive lifestyles.
He directed officials to ensure timely preparations, adequate infrastructure support, transparent selection processes and maximum outreach so that every aspiring athlete gets an opportunity to participate and excel.
The Minister also emphasised the role of technology in sports governance and asked departments to leverage digital platforms for athlete registration, event management, talent tracking and performance monitoring. He said technology-driven sports administration would enhance transparency, efficiency and accessibility.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent, Sharma said Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense potential across various disciplines and that sustained investment in infrastructure, coaching, competitions and scientific training would help produce national and international champions.
During the meeting, Shahid Choudhary briefed the Minister on preparations for implementation of the Sports Calendar and informed that extensive efforts are underway to strengthen sports infrastructure, improve access to training facilities and maximise youth participation across all districts.
Earlier, Nuzhat Gul made a detailed presentation outlining the proposed calendar of sporting events, championships, leagues, youth engagement programmes and infrastructure initiatives for the coming year.
She informed that the plan envisages the organisation of more than 426 sporting activities across 50 disciplines, with an expected participation of over 21 lakh youth from across Jammu and Kashmir. The calendar includes international, national, UT-level, district and grassroots competitions aimed at expanding sporting opportunities and strengthening the sports ecosystem throughout the region.
