Jammu, Mar 7 (UNI) Announcing specialised training for coaches to enhance their capabilities, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday allocated a capital expenditure allocation of ₹152.69 crore for 2025-26, an increase of ₹36.91 crore from the revised allocation of 2024-25.
“Jammu and Kashmir is poised to become a leading sports hub with ongoing investments in infrastructure and facilities. The establishment of 100 Khelo India Centres, development of sports complexes, and synthetic turfs in key stadia set the foundation for a vibrant sports ecosystem,” Abdullah said while presenting his first budget in the UT Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
To nurture talent, the government will continue its efforts to train youth at Khelo India Centres, with an emphasis on increasing women’s participation, he said adding, “Additionally, J&K will enhance its standing as the winter sports capital by hosting more winter games in Gulmarg and promoting water sports through dedicated academies. With continued focus on infrastructure and athlete development, Jammu and Kashmir is set to shape a thriving sports ecosystem for future generations.”
Abdullah said, “Our government is committed to transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of sporting excellence by creating world-class infrastructure and opportunities for athletes,” adding, “our Government will be establishing National Centres of Excellence for Water Sports at Dal Lake in Srinagar and Basohli in Jammu, providing state-of-the-art training facilities for water sports enthusiasts.”
“A Gymnastics Academy will be set up at GindunRajbagh and Khel Gaon, Nagrota, ensuring specialized coaching for budding gymnasts. To nurture young cricketing talent, four state-of-the-art Cricket Academies will be established with a budgetary allocation of ₹8 crore. Additionally, two new Youth Hostels—one each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions—will be constructed with a provision of ₹10 crore,” he said adding that high-Performance Training Centers will be developed in all districts in a phased manner to enhance athlete training and performance at the grassroots level.
To promote mass participation, we aim to engage 75 lakh youth in sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir, fostering a culture of fitness and excellence, said Abdullah.
“To further promote sports and tourism, we will host important national and international sporting events in Jammu and Kashmir. Football exchange programs will be conducted to provide local players with exposure to global best practices. Special focus will be given to empowering coaches through capacity-building initiatives such as the Football Development Program and World Coach Programs,” he added.
‘In our endeavor to make quality sports infrastructure accessible, we are developing 247 playfields, stadiums, and sports courts across the region, along with the construction and upgradation of 19 sports buildings,” adding he said, “to equip our stadiums with modern amenities, we are also procuring advanced sports equipment and generators.”
“To further support our sportspersons, we will ensure that travel costs, accommodation, and training opportunities are addressed, enabling athletes to compete at national and international levels without financial constraints,” he said adding that coaches will receive specialized training to enhance their capabilities, and financial support for athletes will be increased to ensure equal opportunities for all.
“Our vision is to make sports an integral part of community development, ensuring participation from all sections of society. Two new swimming pools will be commissioned in both capital cities, further expanding training facilities. Additionally, dedicated sports facilities will be created for migrant populations to ensure inclusivity. Special emphasis will be placed on involving the rural and tribal population in games, fostering a culture of sports at the grassroots level,” adding he said, “through these comprehensive initiatives, we aim to nurture talent, promote fitness, and position Jammu and Kashmir as a premier sporting destination in the country.”
