Srinagar : Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, Tuesday chaired a review meeting to assess the proposed Sports Calendar 2026–27 and the roadmap for sports development across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Shahid Choudhary and Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul and other senior officers.
Reviewing the proposed calendar, Satish Sharma emphasized the transformative power of sports for youth empowerment, social change, and economic growth during a review of the proposed sports calendar. The government aims to provide world-class sporting opportunities for young athletes across all districts, ensuring that talent from remote areas receives necessary support and exposure. The calendar features a diverse range of activities, including international and national championships, district-level competitions, and community sports programs, aimed at strengthening grassroots sports and establishing a sustainable sporting ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of significant events such as the South Asian Wushu Championship and the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in Srinagar, which are expected to enhance the region’s visibility on the international sports stage. He highlighted the importance of organizing district leagues in various sports, including cricket, football, and hockey, as well as initiatives focused on women’s sports and youth engagement under the “My Youth, My Pride” program. Sharma stressed the need for broad participation from youth, women, tribal communities, and specially-abled athletes. He also pointed out the role of sports in promoting social awareness and positive behavioral change, particularly through the integration of the NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which aims to combat substance abuse among youth. The Minister called for effective coordination among stakeholders to ensure timely preparations, robust infrastructure, transparent selection processes, and maximum outreach for aspiring athletes. Sharma underscored the importance of leveraging technology in sports governance, directing departments to utilize digital platforms for athlete registration, event management, and performance monitoring. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent in Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting the region’s potential across various disciplines and the need for sustained investment in sports infrastructure and training. Commissioner Secretary Shahid Choudhary provided an update on preparations for the sports calendar, detailing ongoing activities under youth and sports initiatives, including grassroots competitions and talent identification drives. The Secretary of the Sports Council presented a comprehensive plan for over 426 sporting activities across 50 disciplines, anticipating participation from over 21 lakh youth, with a vision to expand sporting opportunities throughout Jammu & Kashmir.
