Jammu, March 18: The government Tuesday unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for the promotion and development of sports infrastructure in Poonch Haveli constituency, highlighting completed projects, ongoing initiatives and future plans aimed at encouraging youth participation and nurturing sports talent in the area.
The information came in response to the query raised by National Conference MLA Aijaz Ahmed Jan. According to the reply shared by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YS&S), major investments have been made in the constituency with a total allocation of Rs 699.21 lakhs, covering 23 different works, of which 20 projects stand completed while three are in progress.
A synthetic hockey field at BHSS Poonch A Boxing Ring, TT Hall, and Outdoor Gym at the Sports Stadium, Poonch Mini Stadium at Seikloo,Multiple Playfields across Jhullas, Kanuyian, and Nangali, Badminton Courts, Cricket Wicket Nets, and Chainlink Fencing at various educational institutions
Additionally, 07 Khelo India Centres (05 under the Khelo India Scheme and two under (PMDP) have been established in disciplines such as Hockey, Boxing, Football, Badminton, and Volleyball. These centres provide free training to around 250 players, with access to coaching, infrastructure and equipment. Specific completed projects include—Tracking Base Camp at Danna Gallian, Arai Peeran – 90 per cent completed, playfield development at PS Mohalla Ashmirian and GMS Jhullas – completed, installation of DG Set, Chowkidar Quarters and Protection Walls have been completed
The government has also ensured inclusive development by organizing Zonal to National level tournaments in Cricket, Hockey, Football, Taekwondo, Boxing, Kabaddi, and Kho-Kho, with over 30,000 youth participating across multiple blocks including Mandi, Sathra, Nangali, Kanuyian, and Poonch headquarters. To promote equal opportunities, the department has focused on–coaching and training programs for rural youth, promotion of indigenous games like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, wrestling and volleyball organising tribal and rural sports events, conducting district-level trials for talent identification. In terms of future plans, the installation of a High Mast Light at Poonch Hockey Stadium is under feasibility review, while land identification for playgrounds in Sawjian, Mandi, Seklu, and Kheri Karmarah is in progress in consultation with the district administration. During the last two years alone, the government has spent Rs 297.84 lakhs on developing sports infrastructure in Poonch Haveli, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering a sporting culture and providing youth with modern facilities and opportunities to excel.
