In a significant move to channel youth potential and promote physical and mental well-being, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level review meeting of the Youth Services & Sports Department (YS&S) to evaluate its performance and shape a future roadmap for youth engagement in Jammu and Kashmir.
Describing sports as a vital tool to foster discipline and deter drug abuse, Dulloo emphasized the department's key role in building a fit, focused, and drug-free society. “Every young person should be connected to at least one sport,” he said, noting that sports instill teamwork, purpose, and resilience.
Highlighting the substantial progress in infrastructure, Dulloo praised the department for creating stadiums, indoor arenas, and playgrounds that now match national standards. He encouraged optimal use of these facilities through regular community events and larger state-level competitions to discover and showcase local talent.
Dulloo also directed the department to tap into the UT's natural water bodies by initiating water-based sports at Manasbal Lake and organizing competitive events at Ranjit Sagar Lake in Kathua, expanding the scope of adventure sports in the region.
The meeting also saw the release of the Annual Sports Calendar, as well as coffee table books and compendiums highlighting the UT’s sporting journey, infrastructure growth, and emerging athletes.
Commissioner Secretary YS&S, Sarmad Hafeez, gave a detailed overview, noting that millions of youth have participated in sports events at block, district, and UT levels. He affirmed that J&K’s sports infrastructure is now on par with national benchmarks and reiterated plans to collaborate with national sports bodies to bring major tournaments to the region.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, highlighted grassroots initiatives, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and the impact of trained coaches across disciplines. She expressed confidence that, with sustained efforts, athletes from J&K would soon earn national and international recognition.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to foster a dynamic and inclusive sports culture in J&K, using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, community development, and overall societal well-being.