Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 14: More than 570 sports and youth infrastructure projects with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 650 crore are presently under various stages of planning and execution across Jammu & Kashmir during current financial year, under the Department of Youth Services & Sports, marking one of the most comprehensive infrastructure development programmes undertaken by the Department in recent years.
The progress of this ambitious programme was reviewed today by Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, chairing the first quarterly review of the implementation roadmap initiated earlier this year.
The meeting was attended by Director General, Youth Services & Sports, Special Secretary YSS, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, FA/CAOs, JDP, senior officers of the Administrative Department, engineering agencies, Heads of Wings, District Youth Services & Sports Officers from all twenty districts and officers of the J&K Sports Council.
The review covered Capital Expenditure, Special Assistance to Capital Investment (SASCI), Centrally Sponsored Schemes including the Khelo India Mission, Revenue Expenditure, Budget Announcements and district-wise implementation of sports infrastructure projects. The Commissioner/Secretary said that the Department's infrastructure strategy is fully aligned with the vision of the Khelo Bharat Niti, with emphasis on creating an equitable, accessible and future-ready sports ecosystem capable of serving every region and every section of society.
Dr. Choudhary observed that while significant investments have already transformed sports infrastructure over the past few years, the current phase represents a strategic shift from isolated project execution to a planned, data-driven expansion of sports infrastructure across urban centres, rural areas, border districts, tribal habitations, remote mountainous regions and other underserved locations. He said the objective is to ensure that every young person in Jammu & Kashmir has access to quality sports facilities within reasonable proximity, while simultaneously creating centres of excellence capable of nurturing national and international sporting talent.
The meeting reviewed the progress of 315 CapEx projects being implemented by the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports during 2026-27, including 167 ongoing works, 140 new projects and eight non-construction initiatives, in addition to projects under SASCI, Budget Announcements and other flagship programmes. The J&K Sports Council is simultaneously implementing 263 infrastructure projects, comprising 195 ongoing works, 57 new works and 11 SASCI Disaster Component projects, reflecting an unprecedented scale of coordinated infrastructure development across the Union Territory.
A comprehensive district-wise review was undertaken of all major projects. The Commissioner/Secretary reviewed progress on development of Khel Gaon, Nagrota as a flagship multi-sport hub through establishment of a Lawn Tennis Academy, new Directorate headquarters, Strength & Conditioning Centre, Youth Hostel and remodelling of cricket infrastructure. Progress was also reviewed on major new projects including construction of Khel Bhawans and integrated residential sports facilities at Rajouri, Ramban, Samba, Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Poonch, Jammu. and Nagrota; two Border Sports Academies; the proposed Centre for Mountaineering & Skiing at Sanasar; youth hostels at Nagrota, Wazir Bagh and Government College of Physical Education, Ganderbal; multi-purpose indoor halls; mini stadiums; sports academies; and playfield development works across districts. |
