*Sports sector across J&K witnessing rapid development under new Sports Policy

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 17: Jammu and Kashmir Government is establishing state-of-art sports facilities across Jammu and Kashmir with an aim of taking sports to Panchayat level for budding sportspersons of the UT.
Various steps have been taken by the LG’s administration to create world-class sports infrastructure in J&K. Recently, sports policy has been introduced to make J&K a powerhouse in sports. Every kind of support is being extended to the local sportspersons who strive hard to make UT and the nation proud in different sports disciplines. The sports activities are being conducted throughout the year while infrastructure work is being executed on massive scale. The focus is not merely on activities like Cricket and Football but equal importance is being given to games like Volleyball, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Water and Winter Sports which were ignored in the past.
Sports budget for Jammu and Kashmir is higher than biggest several states of the country and infrastructure is being augmented to highest level and J&K government is keen to provide platform to the youth.
Recently, Bakshi Stadium which was in dilapidated condition due to poor policies of earlier regimes was dedicated to public after being upgraded and revamped at a cost of Rs. 59 crores. “Bakshi Stadium has been a central place of youth for decades, nurturing many dreams and making local sportspersons famous all over the country. This Stadium infused the passion of sports into the lives of millions of people and the legacy has been passed to the new generation”, LG, Manoj Sinha said.
There were clear directions from the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to develop MA Stadium in Jammu as per ICC Standards and Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar as per FIFA Standards.
Recently Manoj Sinha inaugurated sports infrastructure projects worth Rs 18.10 cr and dedicated the new sports facilities to the local youth. The projects inaugurated include Synthetic Football Turf at Khel Gaon Nagrota worth Rs 5 cr; Mini Stadium at Bhour Camp, Chatha costing Rs 1 cr and Playfield at Purmandal at a cost of Rs 2 cr. The Mini Stadium at Bhour Camp will benefit 5000 youth by accommodating games like Cricket, Volleyball and Kabaddi.
Funded under CAPEX, JKIDFC, Khelo India, and PMDP, the inauguration and foundation laying of these projects marks the beginning of next phase of modernization of sports infra in J&K.
LG administration is working with a mission to take sports to Panchayat level and provide opportunities to the youth living in far-flung areas. With better training and modern infrastructure, our youths now represent the country in international events.
The Government is providing sports infrastructure and facilities to the young budding sportspersons of the UT. Now, it is the responsibility of the coaches and officials to hone the talent and improve J&K’s medal tally in national and international level competitions.
Government of India has been liberal in providing funds for Education and Sports in Jammu and Kashmir. The combined budget of education and sports of Jammu and Kashmir is Rs 2386 crores, which is more than various bigger States and UTs across country.
In the last few months, J&K Sports Council has emerged as a powerful vehicle for identification of platforms for young talent. Time-bound targets are being fixed for the coaches in different disciplines of various games.