Rehbar-e-Khel regularisation under active consideration: Deputy CM
Nowshera, Jan 17: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, along with Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, on Saturday inaugurated the Border Sports Festival–2026 at the Sports Stadium here, aimed at promoting sporting culture and strengthening sports infrastructure in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the occasion, the dignitaries also laid foundation stone for construction of a volleyball court, practice pitch and other allied works at the stadium.
He said the government is actively considering the regularisation of Rehbar-e-Khel and appealed the parents to encourage their children to actively.
The programme, as per an official statement commenced with a welcome address by Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, who highlighted the government’s initiatives to strengthen sports infrastructure and promote sporting culture in border areas.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said that projects worth Rs 2 crore have been sanctioned for improving sports infrastructure in Nowshera. He announced that the stadium will be equipped with proper lighting facilities and released Rs 20 lakh from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for further development works.
The Dy CM warmly welcomed international players participating in the Border Sports Festival and emphasised that sports play a vital role in steering youth away from drugs. He said the government is actively considering the regularisation of Rehbar-e-Khel and appealed the parents to encourage their children to actively participate in sports.
Highlighting the patriotic spirit of the region, he said the people of Nowshera have always stood firmly with the nation and defence forces, citing their courage and resilience during Operation Sindoor. He reaffirmed that the government is committed towards safeguarding the rights of players, farmers and residents of far-flung border areas.
Satish Sharma, while speaking on the occasion, said the government is fully committed to promote border sports, developing employment hubs and strengthening indoor sports facilities. He remarked that “today’s sweat becomes tomorrow’s success” and reiterated the government’s resolve to combat drug menace and narco-terrorism.
The Minister announced that playfields will be developed in every Panchayat and a cricket academy will be established next year. He also appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for actively promoting sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir.
As part of the Border Sports Festival, a vibrant Dangal (traditional wrestling) competition, Kabaddi competition and tug of war were also organised, drawing enthusiastic participation and large public turnout.
The programme concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where the players, organisers and contributors were honoured for their outstanding efforts.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary inaugurated a mega health camp organised by the 80th Infantry Brigade in collaboration with the health department and Shafa multi-speciality clinic Nowshera at Senior Secondary School, Seri, Nowshera, providing medical services to a large number of people from border and far-flung areas.
