CM’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani

Srinagar, Mar 26: The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to introduce a structured golf talent hunt programme in Kashmir, aimed at identifying and nurturing young players from schools, colleges, and universities, advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani said.

The move comes in the wake of renewed efforts to make the sport more accessible and broaden its base beyond traditional circles.

Advisor Wani while speaking to Greater Kashmir said the initiative will include coaching camps and exposure programmes, with authorities looking to rope in both local and outside coaches.

“We are working towards creating an umbrella mechanism through which children from educational institutions can be trained in golf. Camps will be organised so that they get proper exposure to the game,” he said.

He said the proposed programme would function as a coaching-cum-talent hunt, giving aspiring golfers an opportunity to explore the sport as a potential career.

“We have already initiated discussions with concerned authorities to bring in qualified coaches. The idea is to identify talent at an early stage and provide them structured training,” he added.

Nasir Aslam Wani, however, underlined that golf, by its very nature, remains an expensive sport and cannot be easily modified in terms of infrastructure.

“There is a prescribed standard for golf courses, whether it is a 9-hole or an 18-hole course. It cannot be reduced to smaller formats like other sports,” he said, responding to demands for smaller, low-cost golf facilities in Kashmir.

On concerns regarding accessibility, particularly membership fees, Wani maintained that charges in Kashmir were comparatively lower than outside regions.

Notably, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani on Wednesday visited the Royal Springs Golf Course at Cheshma Shahi Srinagar and took a meeting to review the overall functioning of the Golf Course. The Advisor was briefed about the civil works taken up under the capital expenditure budget earmarked for RSGC during the financial year 2025-26 and other works taken up for upkeep and maintenance of the Golf Couse.

During the meeting the Advisor, as per an official statement, gave instructions on measures to be taken for restoration and renovation of the Golf Course, upgradation of facilities, organising of Golf tournaments and popularising of Golf among students and those interested in the sport.

During his visit, the Advisor unveiled a fresh fleet of Golf Carts procured by RSGC for the members of the Club and visitors, marking a significant addition to its infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by Secretary RSGC Haris Ahmed Handoo and other senior officers. The member-golfers present on the occasion also briefed the Advisor about various issues requiring attention of the management and the Governing Body for further improvement of facilities at this world-famous Golf Course.