Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 19: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has significantly increased the budget allocation for sports in the 2025 Budget, aiming to transform the region into a sporting hub capable of producing international athletes. Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports (YSS), Sarmad Hafeez, chaired a meeting of officers to discuss the budget announcements and review the department’s progress.
The budget focuses on a range of initiatives, including engaging 75 lakh youth in sports activities, establishing National Centres of Excellence for Water Sports at Dal Lake in Srinagar and Basohli in Jammu and setting up state-of-the-art Gymnastics and Cricket Academies. With a funding of Rs 8 crore, four cricket academies will be developed, and Rs 10 crore has been allocated for the construction of two new Youth Hostels in Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
The Government has also earmarked Rs 150 crores for sports infrastructure, including the development of high-performance training centres, football exchange programmes, 247 playfields, stadiums, and sports courts. Other provisions include the construction of swimming pools, sports facilities for migrants, and the establishment of 100 Khelo India Centres.
A Water Sports Festival will also be organized in April in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council. The meeting highlighted plans to boost players’ honorariums and enhance coaching programs, ensuring J&K becomes a key player in national and international sports.
Prominent among others who attended the meeting were Rajinder Singh Tara, Director General Youth Services and Sports; Jyoti Rani Slathia, Special Secretary YSS; Ashok Kumar Khajuria, Director Finance YSS; Nuzhat Gul, Secretary J&K Sports Council; Ashiq Bhat, Joint Director Planning; Ravi Kumar, Deputy Director Planning YSS; Jitender Mishra, Deputy Director Central and Nitin Hangloo, representative of NYK.
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