Srinagar: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Thursday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for approving Jammu and Kashmir’s first-ever National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in sports.
Describing the approval as a landmark decision, the Minister said the facility would transform the sporting landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and create new opportunities for talented youth of the region.
In a statement, Satish Sharma said the sanctioning of the NCOE is a matter of immense pride and marks a significant milestone in building a strong and vibrant sports ecosystem in the Union Territory.
He said the initiative reflects the commitment of the governments of India and Jammu and Kashmir towards empowering youth, strengthening sports infrastructure and ensuring that aspiring athletes receive world-class training and support facilities within the region.
The Minister said the proposed National Centre of Excellence will be equipped with modern infrastructure, including athletics tracks, football and hockey turfs, a shooting range, swimming pool and a dedicated sports science centre.
He said the facility will serve as a high-performance training hub, providing athletes with professional coaching, scientific support and advanced facilities to help bridge the gap between grassroots talent and elite sporting achievements.
Satish Sharma observed that Jammu and Kashmir has consistently produced talented sportspersons across various disciplines despite challenges related to access to advanced infrastructure and specialised coaching.
He said the establishment of the NCOE would provide young athletes an opportunity to train under professional systems and compete at national and international levels with greater confidence.
“On behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for this visionary decision. The approval of J&K’s first National Centre of Excellence is not just the creation of a sports facility but an investment in the aspirations and future of our youth,” the Minister said.
He added that the initiative would lay the foundation for a new sporting era in Jammu and Kashmir and inspire thousands of young athletes to pursue excellence in sports.
The Minister said the Union Territory is witnessing renewed focus on youth development, modern infrastructure and inclusive opportunities across sectors, including sports.
He reiterated that the Youth Services & Sports Department would work in coordination with concerned agencies to ensure that the benefits of the project reach deserving athletes across Jammu and Kashmir.
Satish Sharma expressed confidence that the facility would help nurture future national champions, international medal winners and Olympic hopefuls from the region.
He said the approval of the National Centre of Excellence represents a historic step towards redefining the sporting future of Jammu and Kashmir.
