Kashmir’s Sporting Dreams

Boost to Sports and Tourism: Legends League Cricket in Kashmir

The recent Legends League Cricket (LLC) brought 124 legendary cricketers to the Kashmir Valley, including stars like Shikhar Dhawan, Chris Gayle, Suresh Raina, and Harbhajan Singh. This event not only boosted Kashmir’s image on the global stage but also had a positive impact on tourism and the local sports culture. However, despite these positive developments, Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Kashmir Valley, continue to struggle with a severe lack of sports infrastructure, which has become a major obstacle to the growth of local sports talent.

Challenges of Limited Sports Infrastructure

The region has produced talented athletes such as Parvez Rasool, the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play for the Indian national team, and Sheetal Devi, an inspirational para-archer. Despite the presence of such potential, local athletes continue to face challenges due to the lack of proper infrastructure and facilities.

Kashmir has long faced the challenge of limited sports infrastructure, a situation worsened by political unrest and geographical constraints. Despite events like the LLC and the Khelo India Winter Games shining a spotlight on the region, the reality on the ground remains stark. Over 800 players from across India participated in the last Khelo India Winter Games, but local athletes still struggle to break into national and international sporting events. Even when they do participate, their performance often falls short due to the lack of adequate training facilities and professional infrastructure.

For instance, sports like gymnastics, athletics, and swimming remain severely underdeveloped. One glaring example is the absence of a functional public swimming pool in the Kashmir Valley—a basic requirement for nurturing swimming talent. This deficiency hampers the growth of local athletes, preventing them from honing their skills and reaching their full potential. As a result, local participation in major sporting events, particularly international ones, is nearly non-existent.

Government Initiatives: Plans Versus Implementation

While the government has made efforts to address these issues, progress has been slow. The Union Territory government increased the budget allocation for sports by ₹31 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, with the capital expenditure for sports rising from ₹110 crore in 2023-24 to ₹141.80 crore for 2024-25. This is a step in the right direction, but it is far from enough. The key challenge lies in the proper implementation of these plans on the ground. The current state of sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir is still in its infancy, and much more needs to be done to create opportunities for young athletes. Better facilities would not only provide these athletes with the chance to train, compete, and excel, but would also foster a sense of community and promote healthier lifestyles. Sports can also serve as a powerful tool to combat the growing drug menace among the youth, offering a productive outlet and a sense of purpose.

 Expanding Focus Beyond Major Cities

Notable athletes like Iqra Rasool, known as the ‘Baramulla Supergirl,’ have emerged from remote areas, showcasing immense potential. However, these athletes often have to overcome significant obstacles, including inadequate training facilities and limited access to resources. The role of the government is crucial in building and maintaining sports infrastructure across the region. This includes constructing sports complexes, stadiums, and facilities for a wide range of sports—not just in Srinagar and Jammu, but also in the far-flung districts of the union territory. Additionally, the focus should extend beyond popular sports like cricket to include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and winter sports, which have significant potential given the region’s unique environment.

Parents also play an important role. In a society where education is often prioritized above all else, sports are sometimes seen as secondary. However, parents must recognize the benefits of sports beyond physical fitness—including discipline, teamwork, and mental well-being—and encourage their children to participate.

 The Need for Long-Term Grassroots Investment

A sustained, long-term investment in grassroots sports is essential. Bringing in professional coaches and trainers to mentor young athletes is crucial, as access to expert guidance can make the difference between mediocrity and excellence. International exposure, exchange programs, and partnerships with sports academies across India and abroad could also provide local athletes with valuable experience, helping them improve their performance.

Hosting events like the LLC at Bakshi Stadium sends a strong message about Kashmir’s potential to host major sporting events. However, these high-profile events should not overshadow the pressing need for grassroots infrastructure development. Only through sustained investment, community involvement, and a strategic long-term approach can Jammu and Kashmir hope to produce athletes who can compete on national and international stages.

Building Inclusive Sports Opportunities for All

In addition to the broader need for sports infrastructure, there is a growing recognition of the importance of para-athletics and support for differently-abled athletes in Jammu and Kashmir. As the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India, I have seen firsthand how transformative inclusive sports opportunities can be. The government should introduce policies aimed at promoting inclusive sports opportunities for those with physical challenges. This includes creating spaces where differently-abled athletes can train and compete in disciplines ranging from athletics to adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball and para-swimming. My work with initiatives like LetsEnable.com, and supportive apps like InRio and IndTokyo, has highlighted the potential of inclusive sports in creating a positive impact, and I believe similar initiatives can benefit Jammu and Kashmir immensely.

Such initiatives are essential to ensure that every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, has the chance to pursue their passion for sports and represent the region at various levels. Jammu and Kashmir has already produced Paralympic archery champions, and there is no reason why others cannot shine if provided with the proper infrastructure and coaching.

 Investing in Kashmir’s Sporting Future

Kashmir’s potential for sports is immense, but the challenges are equally significant. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach—one that includes government investment, proper implementation of plans, community involvement, and support for all athletes, including those with disabilities. The recent successes of events like the Legends League Cricket are a promising start, but the real work lies in creating a sustainable sports ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots level. By focusing on infrastructure, expanding opportunities to all parts of the region, and fostering an inclusive environment, Jammu and Kashmir can pave the way for a brighter sporting future—one where athletes from the Valley can proudly compete on both national and international stages.

Arhan Bagati is a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit and a prominent figure in social work and public policy, focusing on the development of Jammu & Kashmir. He has a notable academic background, with studies at Pomona College, the University of Cambridge, and currently at Harvard, pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy. Arhan’s leadership extends beyond academia, particularly through his role as the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India, and as the founder of KYARI, which addresses critical issues in Kashmir, from education to sustainable development.