Demonstrating his unwavering commitment towards public welfare and a future-ready Jammu & Kashmir, BJP Jammu & Kashmir President and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sat Sharma, CA, forcefully raised key issues related to the promotion of sports and youth development in the Union Territory during the ongoing session of the Rajya Sabha.
Through an unstarred question, Sat Sharma sought detailed information from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports regarding the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) for water sports, expansion of Khelo India Centres (KICs), and allocation as well as utilization of funds for sports promotion in Jammu & Kashmir
Replying on behalf of the Government of India, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya provided a comprehensive account of the steps taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting the Government’s strong resolve to nurture sporting talent in the Union Territory
The Minister informed the House that while there is presently no proposal for establishing a National Centre of Excellence for water sports in J&K, the Government has taken special and unprecedented measures to promote sports at the grassroots level through the Khelo India Scheme
As a special dispensation for Jammu & Kashmir, the Ministry has notified five Khelo India Centres per district, resulting in the establishment of 100 Khelo India Centres across all 20 districts of the UT. These centres cater to a wide range of disciplines including football, hockey, wrestling, boxing, badminton, volleyball, athletics, martial arts and indigenous sports, ensuring inclusive access to modern sports infrastructure for youth from both urban and remote areas
The Minister further apprised that although funds are allocated scheme-wise and not state-wise, substantial expenditure has been incurred under the Khelo India Scheme and National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). During 2023-24, ₹872.20 crore was utilised under Khelo India and ₹150.18 crore under NSDF, while in 2024-25, ₹620.75 crore and ₹101.51 crore were spent respectively, including expenditure benefiting Jammu & Kashmir
Speaking on the issue, Sat Sharma said that sports are not merely about competition but about nation-building, youth empowerment and social transformation. He emphasized that his intervention in Parliament reflects a long-term, futuristic vision to make Jammu & Kashmir a hub of sporting excellence while providing constructive avenues to the youth.
Sharma lauded the Modi Government’s results-oriented working culture, stating that the massive expansion of Khelo India Centres across the UT clearly demonstrates the Centre’s deep sensitivity towards the aspirations of J&K’s youth and its determination to integrate the region firmly into the national mainstream through development and opportunity.
He reaffirmed that he will continue to raise people-centric issues with persistence and foresight, ensuring that Jammu & Kashmir receives its rightful share of infrastructure, opportunities and growth under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.