SEP 13:Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, IT, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, participated in a virtual meeting chaired by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs to discuss strategies for youth engagement and sports development across the country.
During his address, Sharma highlighted the remarkable progress achieved under the J&K Sports Policy 2022, which has strengthened talent scouting, expanded infrastructure, and fostered a fitness-oriented culture among the youth. He noted that the policy has created a structured framework to identify budding athletes and provide them with professional coaching and opportunities to compete at national and international levels.
The Minister proudly cited the accomplishments of international para-archery star Sheetal Devi, ace shooter Chain Singh, and cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir who have made their mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as examples of the region’s growing sporting excellence. He further informed that over 70 lakh young people actively participated in sports and fitness activities across the Union Territory in the past year, a record that reflects the deepening engagement of youth with sporting culture.
Looking ahead, Sharma proposed special funding for advanced sports research centres, the introduction of AI-based performance tracking systems, and the creation of diverse career opportunities for youth in sports sciences, management, and allied fields. Such initiatives, he said, would not only nurture champions but also ensure sustainable livelihood avenues linked to the sporting ecosystem.
The Union Minister appreciated the initiatives of the J&K Government and assured full central support in developing world-class facilities and programs to empower the youth through sports.
Reiterating the UT administration’s commitment, Sharma said, “Our goal is to make Jammu and Kashmir a true hub of sports and youth empowerment, with modern infrastructure, advanced training, and opportunities that match global standards.”
