Srinagar, Aug 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Youth Services & Sports Department is set to accelerate the expansion and upgradation of sports infrastructure across the Union Territory, with more than ₹500 crore being invested in 227 projects under Capex, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, chaired a review meeting on Wednesday to assess ongoing infrastructure works, funding, youth programmes and measures to strengthen the sporting ecosystem across J&K.
The department has taken up 210 projects under Capex and 17 under SASCI, with around ₹160 crore already released to the concerned departments and executing agencies.
Dr Shahid Iqbal directed agencies to speed up tendering and execution while maintaining quality and adhering to approved timelines. He stressed that the focus should be not merely on creating new assets but also on making existing playfields, stadiums and indoor facilities fully functional and accessible.
A district-wise assessment of sports infrastructure will now be undertaken to identify gaps, underserved areas and facilities requiring upgradation. Existing assets will also be mapped and geotagged to help prioritise future investments.
The Commissioner Secretary called for special attention to border, remote, tribal and hilly areas, besides schools and colleges, to ensure that access to sporting facilities is not determined by geography.
He also emphasised linking infrastructure development with talent identification, coaching, competitions, fitness, equipment and higher-level training, creating a pathway from grassroots participation to competitive sports.
The meeting further reviewed the proposed regularisation of around 1,800 Rehbar-e-Khel (ReKs), with formalities reportedly at an advanced stage. A separate proposal covering another 500 ReKs has been submitted to the Finance Department. Directions were issued to pursue the process on priority, subject to statutory and financial clearances.
The status of Physical Education Masters, Zonal Physical Education Officers and Physical Education Lecturers was also reviewed, with directions to expedite pending regularisation, career progression and Departmental Promotion Committee processes.
Dr Shahid Iqbal stressed that a strong sports ecosystem requires investment in infrastructure, coaches, athletes and institutional capacity alike. District-level action plans and closer monitoring will now guide the department’s efforts to make sports facilities across J&K more accessible, functional and youth-centric.