J&K Sets Record Budget for Sports to Become an International Sporting Hub

Jammu, March 19: In a significant move, the Jammu and Kashmir government has allocated its highest-ever budget for sports in 2025, reaffirming its commitment to transforming the Union Territory into a world-class sporting destination.
The increased funding aims to enhance sports infrastructure, athlete training, and grassroots participation, engaging 75 lakh youth in sports activities across J&K. To discuss the budget’s strategic implementation, Commissioner/Secretary Sarmad Hafeez chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials of the Youth Services and Sports Department.
Major Highlights of the Sports Budget 2025
National Centres of Excellence for Water Sports to be established at Dal Lake (Srinagar), Basohli (Jammu).
Gymnastics Academies to be set up at Gindun Rajbagh, Khel Gaon Nagrota.
Four state-of-the-art Cricket Academies to be developed with a budget of Rs 8 crore.
Two new Youth Hostels, one each in J&K divisions, with a Rs 10 crore allocation.
High-performance training centres to be developed in all districts in a phased manner.
Major international events planned, including the 9th Aerobic Asian Championship, the Rafting World Cup in Kashmir, with a separate Rs 4.5 crore provision.
Football exchange programmes and specialised coaching initiatives to elevate the standard of sports.
247 new playfields, stadiums, and sports courts to be developed across J&K.
Upgradation of 19 sports buildings and procurement of essential equipment, including generators for stadiums.
Rs 150 crore allocated for sports infrastructure, including the commissioning of two swimming pools in Jammu and Srinagar.
100 Khelo India Centres to be established, focusing on youth engagement in tribal and rural areas.
In the meeting, it was discussed that the Water Sports Festival to be organised in April by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Department of Youth Services and Sports. The meeting also discussed enhancing honorarium and refreshment charges for players, ensuring better support for athletes across J&K.