In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, the performance and future plans of the Youth Services & Sports (YS&S) Department were reviewed, emphasizing the crucial role of youth engagement in building a healthy and productive society.
Dulloo highlighted sports as a transformative tool for character development, discipline, and preventing substance abuse, advocating for increased community participation as a cornerstone of public health. He urged the department to involve every young person in some sporting discipline, fostering physical well-being, purpose, teamwork, and self-control.
The Chief Secretary lauded the significant advancements in sports infrastructure, noting that it now meets national benchmarks. He called for optimal utilization of new facilities and encouraged organizing more mega sporting events to showcase local talent.
Furthermore, Dulloo directed officials to launch water-based sporting activities at Manasbal Lake and explore competitive events at Ranjit Sagar Lake in Kathua, leveraging the region’s natural water bodies for adventure sports.
A key highlight of the meeting was the release of the Annual Sports Calendar and publications documenting Jammu & Kashmir’s sports journey, infrastructure growth, and emerging talent.
Commissioner Secretary, YS&S, Sarmad Hafeez, reported on the extensive engagement of millions of youth in various sports activities and the creation of numerous world-class infrastructure facilities. He expressed confidence that J&K’s sports infrastructure would soon be among the best nationally, with ongoing collaborations to host major events.
Secretary of J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, presented on tournament organization, grassroots coaching, and infrastructure upgrades, expressing optimism that J&K athletes would soon rank among the country’s elite with continued support and planning. The meeting underscored a renewed commitment to nurturing sporting talent, promoting physical fitness, and building robust sports infrastructure in the region.
