Srinagar: Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma on Thursday called for renewed focus on grassroots sports development and early talent identification while participating in National Sports Day celebrations in Srinagar.
The event was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and witnessed participation from sportspersons, coaches, youth and officials of the sports department.
Paying tribute to Dhyan Chand, Sharma said the legendary player continues to inspire generations of athletes through his dedication, discipline and sporting excellence. He said National Sports Day serves as an occasion to strengthen efforts towards making sports an integral part of young people’s lives.
The minister said Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense sporting potential and a large pool of talented athletes. He stressed the need to provide aspiring sportspersons with quality infrastructure, professional coaching, modern training facilities and regular opportunities to compete.
Emphasising grassroots development, Sharma said sporting talent should be identified at an early age and nurtured through structured coaching and training programmes. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening links between schools, colleges, sports clubs and professional sporting institutions to create a sustained pathway for athletes to progress from local competitions to national and international levels.
Highlighting the wider social impact of sports, the minister said participation in sporting activities promotes discipline, leadership, teamwork, confidence and healthy lifestyles among youth. He urged parents, teachers, coaches and sports administrators to actively support talented youngsters and ensure that no promising athlete is deprived of opportunities due to lack of guidance or resources.
Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul and other senior officials attended the programme.
During the event, Sharma interacted with athletes, coaches and sports officials to gather feedback on sporting facilities and grassroots requirements. He assured continued government support for strengthening the sports ecosystem and creating an enabling environment for young talent.
Expressing confidence in the future of sports in the Union Territory, he said sustained investment in infrastructure, coaching and talent development would help Jammu and Kashmir emerge as a major sporting hub in the country.
