POWER PLAY | J&K Govt fuels sports infrastructure surge to divert youth from drug lure

Srinagar, Jan 17: In a strategic move to combat the rising concerns of youth involvement in drug abuse and foster a culture of sportsmanship, the government of Jammu and Kashmir is embarking on a significant sports infrastructure upgrade.

With a commitment to steer the youth away from the perils of substance abuse, the administration is channelling efforts into developing state-of-the-art sports facilities across the Union Territory.

Stretching its commitment from the north to the southern corners of Kashmir and from the migrant communities to the vibrant Sikh population in Jammu, the government's comprehensive sports infrastructure development spans the entire Union Territory. Initiating a transformative wave, construction projects have been set into motion, encompassing sports fields, stadiums, and athletic tracks.

in Kashmir, the J&K Sports Council has invited tenders for the construction of three FIFA-approved Synthetic Turf Football fields. These state-of-the-art facilities are poised to become hubs for nurturing football talent and promoting the sport at both grassroots and professional levels. Each location has been carefully chosen to ensure widespread accessibility and inclusivity in sports development.

Among the proposed projects, Gassu Hazratbal is slated to host a Synthetic Football Ground with an estimated cost of Rs 5.8 crore, contributing to the vibrant sports landscape of the region. Simultaneously, Azad Gunj Baramulla is set to witness the establishment of another football ground, with an allocated budget of Rs 5.93 crore. Adding to the roster, Dragged Shopian will soon boast a Synthetic Football Ground, with a projected cost of Rs 5.8 crore. These ventures signify a substantial financial investment aimed at providing top-notch sporting infrastructure to communities across Kashmir, fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity in sports.

Nuzhat Gul, Secretary Sports Council said that the government's ambitious strategy is to create an equitable sports landscape while safeguarding the youth from the menace of drugs.

Gul emphasised the ongoing efforts to upgrade sports facilities throughout J&K.

"Our primary objective is to ensure a level playing field for our youth, simultaneously diverting their focus from the detrimental path of drug involvement. Recognising the challenges faced by our football players who contend on natural grass grounds locally but often compete on synthetic turfs elsewhere, we are proactively addressing this disparity."

Elaborating on the expansive plan, Gul detailed the targeted locations for sports infrastructure development, catering to diverse communities across Jammu and Kashmir.

"For the benefit of our migrant children, we are establishing a football ground at Jagti camp, a hockey track near the Arnai border, an athletic track in Sopore, and FIFA-approved football grounds in Gassu Hazratbal, Dragged Shopian, and Azad Gunj. These strategically placed facilities aim to provide accessible and high-quality sporting opportunities to athletes in different areas."

Highlighting the government's commitment to the "golden era of sports in Kashmir," Gul emphasised the broader impact of sports engagement on the well-being of the youth.

"Our mission is to ensure that our youth are actively involved in sports activities, fostering mental and physical fitness while acting as a deterrent against the drug menace."

Gul shed light on the ongoing football coaching camps conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council at various locations. Expressing confidence in the abundant talent within the J&K youth, she affirmed, "Our young athletes have proven their prowess, and we are here to support them by providing the best possible facilities for training and competition."