Srinagar: Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, on her two-day visit to the city, supervised a Grassroots Talent Identification camp for athletics and volleyball at the University of Kashmir. The visit coincides with the ongoing Khelo India Water Sports Festival.
On Thursday, Khadse inaugurated the festival at Dal Lake, which runs until August 23 and includes competitions in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking.
At the University of Kashmir, she later oversaw the talent identification camp aimed at discovering budding athletes. According to the sports ministry, over 150 boys and girls from districts including Pulwama, Budgam, and Ganderbal took part.
A team of experts conducted tests such as 20m and 30m sprints, vertical jump, medicine ball throw, and the Cooper Test to assess participants’ athletic potential. Khadse interacted with the trainees, assuring them of full government support.
Those shortlisted will be considered for induction into Sports Authority of India programmes, including the National Centre of Excellence and SAI Training Centres.
“The talent in Kashmir is immense. Our aim is to create a clear pathway from grassroots to podium and nurture a new generation of champions for India,” Khadse said.
