Srinagar, Jun 25: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, has expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for approving Jammu and Kashmir’s first National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in sports, describing the move as a landmark decision that will transform the sporting landscape of the region.
In a statement, the Minister said the sanctioning of the first-ever NCOE for Jammu and Kashmir is a matter of immense pride for the people of the Union Territory and a major milestone in the journey towards building a strong and vibrant sports ecosystem in the region. He said the approval reflects the commitment of the governments of India and Jammu and Kashmir towards empowering youth, strengthening sports infrastructure, and ensuring aspiring athletes receive world-class training and support facilities within their own region.
The Minister said the proposed National Centre of Excellence will be equipped with modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure, including athletics tracks, football turf, hockey turfs, a shooting range, swimming pool, and a dedicated sports science centre, which together will provide a comprehensive platform for nurturing sporting talent across disciplines. He said the facility will serve as a high-performance training hub for young athletes and will help bridge the gap between grassroots talent and elite sporting achievement.
Satish Sharma observed that Jammu and Kashmir has consistently produced talented sportspersons with exceptional promise in various disciplines despite limited access to top-level infrastructure and specialised coaching. He said the establishment of the NCOE will be a game-changer for the youth of the region, enabling them to train under professional systems, benefit from scientific support, and compete at national and international levels with greater confidence and preparedness.
“On behalf of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Ji, and our Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sahib for this visionary decision. The approval of J&K’s first National Centre of Excellence is not merely the creation of a sports facility; it is an investment in the aspirations, energy, and future of our youth. It will lay the foundation for a new sporting era in Jammu & Kashmir and inspire thousands of young boys and girls to pursue excellence in sports,” Satish Sharma said.
The Minister reiterated that the Youth Services & Sports Department will work in close coordination with all concerned agencies to ensure the benefits of this major initiative reach deserving athletes across Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed confidence that the facility will help produce the next generation of national champions, international medal winners, and Olympic hopefuls from the region, calling the approval a historic and forward-looking step that will redefine the sporting future of Jammu and Kashmir.
