Srinagar, Apr 24: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma on Friday held a detailed meeting with Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr.Mansukh Mandaviya, on the sidelines of the upcoming Chintan Shivir being hosted in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, the Minister warmly welcomed the visiting dignitaries and extended his appreciation for their presence in Jammu and Kashmir for the important deliberations aimed at strengthening the sports landscape across the country.
During the meeting, Satish Sharma discussed in detail a comprehensive roadmap for giving a significant fillip to sports development in Jammu and Kashmir, with particular emphasis on expanding outreach to border and far-flung areas. He underscored that youth residing in remote and underserved regions possess immense untapped potential, which can be channelised effectively through targeted interventions and improved access to sports infrastructure.
The Minister, as per an official statement, highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Government to promote a vibrant sports culture, including the organisation of local tournaments, talent identification programmes, and initiatives aimed at engaging youth in constructive and nation-building activities. He stressed the need for strengthening grassroots-level infrastructure to ensure that aspiring athletes, irrespective of their geographical location, have access to quality training and facilities.
Satish Sharma also sought liberal financial assistance from the Government of India for upgrading existing sports infrastructure and establishing modern, state-of-the-art facilities across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised the importance of developing multipurpose indoor stadiums, playfields, and high-performance training centres equipped with advanced coaching support and sports science facilities.
The discussions further focused on enhancing collaboration between the Union Ministry and the Jammu and Kashmir Government in organising national-level sporting events in Jammu and Kashmir, which would not only provide exposure to local talent but also position the region as a prominent sporting destination.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya appreciated the proactive initiatives being undertaken by the Jammu and Kashmir Government and lauded the focused approach towards youth engagement and sports development. He assured full support and cooperation from the Government of India in strengthening the sports ecosystem in the region, particularly in underserved and border areas.
Satish Sharma reiterated the commitment of the Government towards harnessing the energy and potential of youth through sports, innovation, and inclusive development. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the upcoming Chintan Shivir would pave the way for new strategies and collaborative efforts to further accelerate sports development in Jammu and Kashmir.
