Sports have always been a stress reliever and motivator for young people. Every child’s dream is to excel in sports and bring laurels to his or her elementary school, later for his or her State, and finally for the country. In developed countries, with the kind of infrastructure they have and parents encouraging their children to participate in at least one sport, the results are there for everyone to see. Small countries with populations smaller than our single city produce world-class players, while we, with a population of 140 crores, are unable to capitalize on ours. Reasons are not hard to find: early tapping of children’s interests, providing infra, proper coaching, and taking care of players are a few things they provide, but they have never been our focus. The unique ability of our PM Modi to analyse the problem quickly and take corrective action in the shortest possible time is an additional bonus, and with the kind of results we have gotten in every field in these few years, the world is astonished. A special focus on youth and sports has been the hallmark of GoI policy; “Khelo India” is now a mission, and every school is supposed to encourage their students to participate in these sports competitions. Indoor stadiums for multiple games have been built in almost every district, and similarly, outfield grounds for outdoor games have given a tremendous impetus to sports activities; nothing of this magnitude has happened before. Emerging district players are chosen to represent the State/UT and, later, the national team. Many hidden gems have been discovered and have brought laurels to the country at many international events.
Jammu and Kashmir has received special attention in light of the troubling phase of terrorism that young minds were experiencing. Every facility has been provided at the district level, more specifically in Kashmir Division, to bring children into the mainstream and provide a way ahead in their lives. Children have responded equally, and our young ones are bringing laurels to the country now. We have chess, roller skating, wushu, martial arts and athletics champions, to name a few. As young as six and seven years old are going to national games and performing. The winter zones of both Kashmir and Jammu provide excellent opportunities for winter sports, and the LG Administration, with the financial support of the GoI, is devising ways to promote our winter snow destinations. One such initiative is currently underway in Gulmarg, where a Centre of Excellence in Winter Sports will soon open, giving the popular tourist destination a new spin. The 3rd edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, a 5-day event, has been inaugurated, and 1500 participants from all over India are participating in this gala event. 40 Khelo India sports centres have already come up in Jammu and Kashmir, and our sports budget is second only to Maharashtra.
With the finances and attention given to Jammu and Kashmir, it’s an excellent opportunity for the LG Administration to develop parallel infrastructure at other winter sports centres like Patnitop, Sanasar, Doda, Kishtwar, and at Rajouri-Poonch also. A chain of winter games spots will bring Jammu and Kashmir at par with international tourist destinations. It is now time to obtain DPRs from the respective district administrations for the infrastructure needed and the projected benefits. The rise of Jammu and Kashmir as sports powers is inexorable, the base has been laid, the building built, and now it’s time to reap the rewards.
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