Srinagar, May 16: The Department of Youth Services & Sports on Saturday conducted a comprehensive Union Territory-level review of sports infrastructure, youth engagement programmes, and district action plans for 2026–27, setting a time-bound roadmap to expand sports access and strengthen youth development across Jammu and Kashmir.

The review meeting was chaired by Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, and attended by the Director General Youth Services & Sports, senior officers, and newly posted District Youth Services & Sports Officers from all 20 districts. The exercise focused on structured monitoring, participation, infrastructure utilisation, inclusion, and execution efficiency, with emphasis on converting physical infrastructure into active sporting hubs at the grassroots level.
A detailed review of 521 projects worth over ₹644 crore was undertaken, including 344 ongoing works valued at ₹396.72 crore and 177 new projects proposed under the 2026–27 Action Plan amounting to ₹247.34 crore. District-wise progress, expenditure, timelines, and bottlenecks were assessed, with directions to shift focus from mere construction to measurable outcomes in participation and usage.
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said the Department aims to build a participatory and inclusive sports ecosystem involving schools, panchayats, local communities, clubs, and federations to identify and nurture talent. He stressed that sports infrastructure must function as community assets promoting discipline, fitness, and leadership among youth.
The Commissioner Secretary directed districts to strengthen monitoring and ensure timely completion of projects through close coordination with executing agencies. A strict timeline was laid out, including land identification within 30 days, technical sanctions within 45 days, and administrative approvals and tendering within 60 days.
The Department is developing infrastructure across 16 sports disciplines, including multi-purpose playfields, volleyball, badminton, football, cricket, basketball, athletics, kabaddi, wrestling, and indoor facilities. Of the projects reviewed, 176 relate to multi-purpose playfields and 98 to volleyball infrastructure, reflecting a focus on community-based, high-participation sports assets.
Major initiatives such as Khel Gaons, Khel Bhawans, Border Sports Academies, sports science centres, synthetic courts, indoor stadiums, youth hostels, wrestling akharas, and district training facilities were also reviewed, with special emphasis on border, tribal, and remote areas.
The meeting underscored the need for better utilisation of existing infrastructure, regular sporting calendars, coaching support, and district-level talent mapping. Officials were instructed to link infrastructure development with athlete progression and active participation.
The Commissioner Secretary appreciated the performance of Shopian, Anantnag, Budgam, and Kulgam districts for effective implementation, while directing underperforming districts to expedite pending works and improve monitoring mechanisms. Institutional reforms, including cadre management, timely promotions, and capacity building, were also discussed. It was decided that regular district-level reviews would be held across J&K to ensure effective implementation and visible outcomes on the ground.