Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today chaired a review meeting to assess the proposed Sports Calendar 2026–27 and the roadmap for sports development across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Shahid Choudhary and Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul and other senior officers.
Reviewing the proposed calendar, Satish Sharma emphasized that sports have emerged as a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social transformation and economic development. He stated that the government is committed to create world-class sporting opportunities for the young athletes from every district, ensuring that talent from even the remotest areas receives adequate exposure and support.
The Minister highlighted that the proposed calendar includes a wide spectrum of activities ranging from international and national championships to district-level competitions and community sports programmes. He lauded the efforts being made to strengthen the grassroots sports and create a sustainable sporting ecosystem across Jammu & Kashmir.
Satish Sharma expressed satisfaction over the inclusion of several major events, including the hosting of the South Asian Wushu Championship and the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in Srinagar, which are expected to place Jammu and Kashmir prominently on the international sporting map. He said such prestigious events will not only promote sports excellence but also showcase the region's capabilities as a destination for national and international sporting events.
The Minister also reviewed plans for the organization of district leagues in cricket, football and hockey, tribal sports leagues, women's sports leagues, chess and carrom leagues, athletics meets, cycling events and a series of youth-centric programmes under the "My Youth, My Pride" initiative. He stressed the need to ensure broad-based participation of youth, women, tribal communities and specially-abled sportspersons.
Referring to flagship initiatives such as the Women's Super 10 League, Kashmir Super League, Ganderbal Super League, Pro Kabaddi Championship, Jammu Cyclothon and other district and community-based competitions, Satish Sharma said these events will greatly help identify the emerging talent and create a vibrant sporting culture throughout Jammu & Kashmir.
The Minister also underlined the importance of sports as a tool for social awareness and positive behavioural change. He appreciated the proposed integration of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan through Sports, observing that sports can play a transformative role in steering youth away from substance abuse and towards healthy and productive lifestyles.
Calling for effective coordination among all the stakeholders, Satish Sharma directed officials to ensure timely preparations, robust infrastructure support, transparent selection processes and maximum outreach so that every aspiring athlete gets an opportunity to participate and excel.
He emphasized the role of technology in sports governance and directed the concerned departments to leverage the digital platforms for athlete registration, event management, talent tracking and performance monitoring. He said that the integration of technology with sports development would enhance transparency, efficiency and accessibility.
Reaffirming the government's commitment towards nurturing the sporting talent, the Minister said Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense potential across a range of disciplines and that sustained investment in sports infrastructure, coaching, competitions and scientific training will help produce national and international champions
Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Shahid Choudhary subsequently briefed the Minister on the extensive preparations being undertaken for successful implementation of the Sports Calendar. He also apprised the Minister of the activities already conducted under various youth and sports initiatives, including grassroots competitions, community sports programmes, talent identification drives and district-level championships. He informed that coordinated efforts are being made to strengthen sports infrastructure, improve access to training facilities and maximize youth participation across all districts of Jammu & Kashmir.
Earlier, Secretary Sports Council made a comprehensive presentation outlining an extensive calendar of sporting events, championships, leagues, youth engagement programmes and infrastructure initiatives proposed for the coming year. The plan envisages the conduct of more than 426 sporting activities across 50 disciplines, with an expected participation of over 21 lakh youth from across Jammu and Kashmir. She outlined the Council's vision for expanding the sporting opportunities across Jammu & Kashmir through a structured programme of international, national, UT-level, district and grassroots competitions.