Srinagar: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, IT, Transport, Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma on Saturday outlined a comprehensive vision to transform Jammu and Kashmir into the sports epicentre of the country, while addressing the concluding session of the Chintan Shivir at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).
The Minister highlighted the immense potential of the Union Territory to emerge as the winter sports capital of India, alongside its growing reputation as a hub for water sports. He called for the creation of a dynamic and inclusive sports ecosystem that promotes participation from grassroots to national level, supported by robust infrastructure and effective policy backing.
Emphasising the need for focused intervention, Sharma urged the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to provide liberal financial assistance for the development of world-class sports infrastructure and expansion of sports programmes, particularly in border and far-flung areas. He said such initiatives would help tap the immense talent of youth in these regions while providing meaningful opportunities for growth and engagement.
Strongly advocating for the establishment of a dedicated Sports University in Jammu and Kashmir, Sharma said such an institution would act as a centre of excellence for training, research and capacity building, thereby strengthening the overall sports ecosystem and nurturing future champions.
The Minister also stressed the importance of promoting sports in border and rural areas, noting that despite challenges, youth in these regions possess unmatched passion, resilience and patriotism. He called for targeted incentives and structured programmes to ensure their active participation and success across various sporting disciplines.
Referring to the region’s growing achievements, Sharma highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s commendable performances in national events, including progress in the Santosh Trophy and participation in premier tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. He said these milestones reflect the untapped potential of local youth and the positive impact of sustained investments in sports.
Drawing attention to the economic dimension, the Minister underscored the significance of the Kashmir willow bat industry, which he said accounts for nearly 70 percent of global bat production. He called for strategic interventions to modernise and promote the sector, stating that it holds the potential to revolutionise bat manufacturing while generating substantial employment opportunities for local youth.
Sharing his personal experiences, Sharma spoke about the transformative role of sports in shaping discipline and character. He emphasised that sports can serve as an effective tool to counter the growing menace of drug abuse by channelising youth energy towards constructive and healthy pursuits.
He reiterated that engaging youth in sports not only enhances physical and mental well-being but also strengthens social cohesion and fosters a sense of national pride. He also lauded various national initiatives focused on youth empowerment, describing them as instrumental in nurturing a generation of nation-builders.
Expressing confidence in the future, Sharma said that with sustained efforts, strategic investments and continued support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir is poised to witness unprecedented growth in the sports sector. He asserted that the region is on course to emerge as a leading hub for sports, tourism and economic development, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress while paving the way for a vibrant, empowered and drug-free society.
