J&K targets 37.5 lakh youth engagement in sports this year

Jammu, Mar 16: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the performance of the Youth Services & Sports Department and the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, with a special focus on expanding youth engagement in sports and creative activities across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting, as per an official statement, was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports; the Director General, Youth Services & Sports; the Secretary, Sports Council and other senior officers of the Department.

The Chief Secretary took a detailed review of the initiatives undertaken by the department and the Sports Council to strengthen the sports ecosystem across the UT through grassroots competitions, talent identification programmes, national-level sporting events and digital youth engagement platforms.

The Chief Secretary maintained that sports and creative arts play a crucial role in shaping the character of young people by instilling discipline, teamwork, perseverance and a sense of responsibility. He observed that active participation in sports as well as creative pursuits such as art, music and cultural activities helps channel the energy of youth in a constructive direction while nurturing confidence and leadership qualities, competitive spirit in them.

He noted that in the present context, when drug abuse has emerged as a serious concern affecting sections of youth in Jammu and Kashmir, promoting sports and creative engagement becomes even more important. He said that such platforms provide a positive environment and meaningful opportunities that keep young people productively engaged and away from harmful influences. He stressed that sustained investment in sports and creative initiatives at the grassroots level can equip youth with valuable life lessons, strengthen their resilience and guide them towards a disciplined, healthy and purposeful future.

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary presented a detailed overview of the department’s initiatives aimed at expanding youth participation in sporting activities while simultaneously strengthening sports infrastructure across districts so that young talent can access quality training facilities closer to their homes.

He stated that the department remains committed to providing year-round opportunities for youth to participate in sporting as well as creative activities. Efforts are also underway to bring national and international sporting events to Jammu and Kashmir, which not only help nurture local talent but also generate enthusiasm among sports lovers by providing opportunities to witness leading athletes performing in the Union Territory.

The Commissioner Secretary took this opportunity to inform that the first-ever Draft Youth Policy for Jammu and Kashmir has been prepared to provide a strategic roadmap for youth empowerment, leadership development and sports promotion. Sports-based interventions are also being integrated into the Nasha Mukt J&K campaign through themed tournaments, youth ambassadors, awareness drives and training of coaches to identify early signs of substance abuse among youth, he added.

Presenting the performance of the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, Director General YS&S Anuradha Gupta informed the meeting that mass participation programmes launched by the department have witnessed an overwhelming response from youth across Jammu and Kashmir.