JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports (YSS), Satish Sharma, today participated in a virtual meeting chaired by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs to deliberate on youth engagement, sports development, and holistic empowerment.
The meeting was attended by Sports Ministers from various states and UTs. Commissioner Secretary YSS Yasha Mudgal, DG YSS Anuradha Gupta, and other senior officers also joined the interaction.
Highlighting the transformative shift in Jammu and Kashmir, Sharma said sports have become a “bridge from conflict to aspiration.” He briefed the Union Minister on the impact of the J&K Sports Policy-2022, which focuses on talent scouting, infrastructure development, and fostering a culture of health and fitness.
He underlined the success of flagship programmes like Khelo India and Ab Khelega Jammu & Kashmir, supported by UT Capex funding, which are training and engaging thousands of young athletes annually.
Sharing success stories, Sharma cited youth icons from J&K, including:
Sheetal Devi, para-archery champion and Arjuna Awardee, who excelled at the Paralympics, Asian Para Games, and World Championships.
Chain Singh, Olympian shooter from Doda with international achievements.
Emerging cricket stars Umran Malik, Abdul Samad, Rasik Salam, Vivrant Sharma, who have made their mark in the IPL.
Nasir Sofi, a volleyball player from Baramulla, recently selected for the U-15 National Coaching Camp in China.
On youth engagement, the Minister informed that over 70 lakh youth participated in sports and related activities during 2024–25, with numbers expected to grow this year. He emphasized channelizing youth energy towards constructive pursuits, keeping them away from anti-social and anti-national tendencies.
Sharma also presented key suggestions for strengthening youth and sports initiatives in J&K, including:
Special funding for Sports Research Centres and Academies
Use of AI-powered technology for real-time performance tracking
Greater inter-departmental coordination and Public-Private Partnerships
Focus on sports science, psychology, and medicine to enhance athlete performance
Promotion of sports as a career pathway with opportunities in startups, fitness, equipment manufacturing, and adventure tourism
The Union Minister appreciated the initiatives of the J&K Government and assured continued Central support for youth and sports programmes.
Reaffirming J&K’s commitment, Sharma said the government is determined to promote holistic youth development, build world-class sports infrastructure, and host national and international sporting events, transforming J&K into a hub of sports excellence and youth empowerment.
