Srinagar, March 18: Minister for Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI and Training Satish Sharma on Tuesday informed the Assembly that a significant progress has been made in upgrading sports infrastructure in Kathua.
This statement came in response to a question raised by MLA Kathua, Dr. Bharat Bhushan, regarding the condition of the Sports Stadium in the district. Dr. Bhushan had raised concerns over the alleged dilapidated state of the stadium and inquired about the steps taken by the government for its development over the past three years. Responding to this, Sharma said, “The Sports Stadium in Kathua is not in a dilapidated condition.” He further added, “Over the past three years, several improvements have been made, including the construction of a Boxing Rink and a changing room at a cost of Rs. 28 lakh within the stadium premises.”
Additionally, Sharma pointed out the completion of an Indoor Sports Hall in Billawar and a Water Sports Centre in Basholi, both funded under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and Khelo India schemes. The Minister also highlighted the establishment of six Khelo India Centres across Kathua, where “approximately 200 players receive daily training in sports such as boxing, taekwondo, judo, hockey, football and rowing.”
When asked about the possibility of establishing an indoor sports stadium in Kathua, Sharma stated, “There is no immediate proposal for such a project. However, the feasibility will be examined if there is sufficient demand, available encumbrance-free land, and financial resources.” On the question of sports infrastructure in Lakhanpur and Nagri, Sharma said, “There are no current proposals for new sports facilities in these areas.”
