J&K will boost sports, tourism: Sports Minister
Gulmarg, Feb 23: Minister for Sports, Satish Sharma, Monday said that Jammu and Kashmir would give a befitting response to terrorism while advancing tourism and sports as pillars of peace, youth engagement and economic growth.
In his address at the inauguration of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG)-2026 in Gulmarg, he said the successful hosting of the mega winter sporting event sends a strong message of resilience and normalcy despite recent challenges.
The minister said the sporting event like Khelo India and the massive tourist influx post Pahalgam incident reflects resilience and confidence of people of this region amid challenges.
"Incidents like Pahalgam will not derail efforts to promote peace, tourism, and youth engagement through sports. There are some countries who do not want to see peace and prosperity in J&K but we will not let them succeed," the sports minister said.
Earlier, he credited the huge influx of tourists in J&K to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saying that he went to all the countries to promote tourism of this region.
ìWe are strong enough to face challenges. Tourism will thrive and sports will lead positive change,î the sports minister said.
He said that hosting the sixth edition of the KIWG was an honour as the event attracts athletes and visitors from across the country.
"With hosting six editions of the Sporting event, Gulmarg has emerged as a major winter sports hub," the minister said.
He said the J&K government was investing in sports infrastructure and nurturing local talent in skiing and snowboarding.
"Winter adventure tourism is also being expanded to destinations like Sonamarg, Bhaderwah and the Pir Panjal region," he said.
The minister said promotion of home stays in rural and high-altitude areas is being prioritised to ensure tourism benefits local communities directly.
"The rush of tourists and athletes is so huge that there is hardly any rooms available in Gulmarg. But we are promoting home stays in the area which has proven a successful initiative," he said.
Sharma said that J&K will continue to move forward despite threats as tourism symbolises peace and progress.
"Tourism will play a key role in the economic future of J&K," the minister said.
Later, talking to reporters on the sidelines of the function, he said that KIWG reflects Jammu and Kashmirís growing sporting culture and collective resolve to promote youth engagement through sports.
Sharma stressed the need to fight drug abuse through sustained athletic participation.
He congratulated athletes and organisers of KIWG and said that timely snowfall this year helped to ensure smooth conduct of the games.
"The future editions may be scheduled based on snowfall conditions rather than fixed dates to maximise participation and sporting experience," Sharma said.
The minister said more than 1000 athletes from various states were participating in the sporting event.
"It is a strong message of normalcy and national integration," he said.
Sharma credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and officials involved in organising the event for making extensive arrangements.
He said those involved in drug trafficking were "traitors" and must face strict social and institutional action.
"Responsible reporting can help strengthen social awareness and support youth development initiatives," the sports minister said.
He acknowledged gaps in sports infrastructure and said long pending issues were being addressed in a phased manner.
