Srinagar, Mar 26: The government of Jammu and Kashmir has stated that 92 out of the 100 sanctioned small Khelo India Centres are currently functional across the Union Territory. Each district has been allotted five centres, providing regular training to children.
The information was shared in response to an unstarred question posed by MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone, who inquired about the steps being taken to boost sports activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister in charge of Youth Services and Sports (YS&S) stated that the department is striving to develop world-class sports infrastructure to promote sports activities and harness the constructive and creative energy of the youth.
“A total of 100 Small Khelo India Centres have been sanctioned across the Union Territory, which is the highest in the country. Of these, 92 are currently functional, training approximately 4,500 children regularly. These children have free access to infrastructure, coaching, equipment, and apparel,” the government said. “Many of these children, trained from grassroots levels in remote areas, have won medals at national events.”
Besides, the government informed the assembly that 148 courts and turfs have been developed under the JKIDFC scheme across the UT. These include synthetic football turfs, synthetic athletic tracks, synthetic hockey turfs, roller skating rinks, synthetic basketball courts, synthetic badminton courts, synthetic volleyball courts, synthetic handball courts, lawn tennis courts, and cricket wicket nets.
“The infrastructure development plan is based on public demand, ensuring a balance between urban and rural areas, with well-distributed playfields and sports facilities across the rural regions of the Union Territory,” the government said.
Furthermore, in a written reply to the MLA’s question, the government revealed that the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports has developed 1,191 playfields under various schemes, with 1,017 of them located in rural areas.
Highlighting the impact of these developments, the government said that due to the availability of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, athletes from Jammu and Kashmir have performed admirably in national and international competitions.
“In the year 2024-25, J&K athletes have won 239 gold, 150 silver, and 215 bronze medals at the national level, along with three gold, two silver, and 10 bronze medals at the international level,” the government said.
The government also informed the assembly that the J&K Sports Council has developed significant sports infrastructure, including 29 multi-sports indoor halls (20 completed, 5 in progress), 45 stadiums, 163 playfields, two synthetic hockey turfs, two football turfs, and two water sports centres.
“Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports sanctioned 100 Khelo India Centres across 20 districts in 28 sports disciplines, primarily in rural areas. These centres provide daily training to rural youth and scout talented individuals for national and international platforms,” the government added.
