Says “Over 35 lakh youth already engaged in sports activities this year”
Jammu: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Monday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the performance of the Youth Services & Sports Department and the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, with a special focus on expanding youth engagement in sports and creative activities across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports; Director General, Youth Services & Sports; Secretary, Sports Council and other senior officers of the Department.
The Chief Secretary conducted a comprehensive review of initiatives by the department and the Sports Council aimed at enhancing the sports ecosystem in the Union Territory (UT) through grassroots competitions, talent identification programs, national sporting events, and digital engagement platforms for youth. He emphasized the importance of sports and creative arts in shaping youth character by fostering discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and responsibility. The Chief Secretary highlighted the critical need for promoting sports and creative activities, especially in the context of rising drug abuse among youth in Jammu and Kashmir, as these initiatives provide constructive engagement and opportunities that steer young people away from harmful influences. Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary for Youth Services & Sports, presented an overview of the department’s efforts to increase youth participation in sports and improve sports infrastructure across districts. He noted the commitment to year-round opportunities for youth and the plan to host national and international sporting events to nurture local talent and engage sports enthusiasts. The first Draft Youth Policy for Jammu and Kashmir was introduced to provide a strategic framework for youth empowerment and sports promotion, integrating sports initiatives into the Nasha Mukt J&K campaign to combat substance abuse. Anuradha Gupta, Director General of Youth Services & Sports, reported significant youth engagement in mass participation programs, with the flagship grassroots sports league “Leagues of Classics – Enjoy the Game 1.0” engaging over 2.23 lakh youth in various sports. Winter sports training programs were also organized to promote skiing among youth in mountainous regions. The successful national-level sports conference “SRIJAN – The Making of a Legacy” was highlighted as a platform for discussing grassroots sports strategies. The MyBharat portal’s online engagement initiatives saw a substantial increase in registered youth, reflecting growing participation in fitness challenges and awareness programs. The department has planned a comprehensive calendar of sports activities, including competitions in 36 sports disciplines and initiatives like the Mini Marathon 2.0 and “Back to Bachpan” to revive traditional games. The Sports Council reported a surge in sports participation, with over 32.33 lakh youth engaged in 1,076 activities across 50 disciplines. Athletes from Jammu and Kashmir achieved notable success, winning numerous medals at national and international levels. The Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of sports infrastructure projects funded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, with significant advancements in facilities across districts. Looking ahead, the Sports Council outlined plans for hosting major events, including the International Rafting Championship and the South Asian Wushu Championship, while also introducing new leagues to broaden sporting opportunities. The Chief Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing state-of-the-art sports infrastructure and expanding youth engagement, emphasizing that sustained investment in these areas will foster talent, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage positive social interactions among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
