Golf tourism, grassroots infrastructure in focus as WHS Sports Hub Golf Cup tees off at RSGC

Srinagar, May 23: Stressing the need to expand sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir and promote golf as both a sporting and tourism asset, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani said on Saturday the government is working to create sports facilities from the district to block level while also encouraging newer sporting disciplines in the region.

Wani, while speaking to Greater Kashmir after teeing off the two-day WHS Sports Hub Golf Cup 2026 at Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC), termed the tournament an important initiative for golf promotion. Wani said such events will help to revive sporting activities and simultaneously boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

“This has now become an annual feature. We are trying to bring golfing activities back on track. We are having tournaments in Srinagar and Pahalgam and are also trying to organise one in Gulmarg. These events help us in two ways, promoting golf in Jammu and Kashmir and supporting tourism,” he said.

The Advisor said the government is keen to widen sports participation and expose youngsters to different sporting disciplines beyond cricket.

“We are trying to establish a golf academy here where younger children from schools can be trained and camps can be organised so that they are attracted towards the sport. Golf is a game that can also get us national and international recognition,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s broader sports vision, Wani said infrastructure development remains a priority.

“The government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, wants sports activities to spread across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir. Infrastructure will be developed at district, tehsil and block levels so that children get opportunities to compete at national levels as well,” he said.

Referring to the ongoing development of indoor facilities, Wani said low-cost multi-purpose sports complexes are being planned to ensure sporting activities continue during winters.

“Our weather conditions are different, and most outdoor activities stop during winter. We want children to remain active throughout the year. Hopefully, in the next couple of years, we will have strong sports infrastructure in place,” he added.

Wani also underlined the convergence between sports and tourism sectors, particularly in golf.

“Sports and tourism will definitely go together, especially golf, which has huge tourism potential,” he said.

Meanwhile, Viraj Singh, co-founder of WHS Sports Hub, said the second edition of the Golf Cup has attracted golfers and guests from across the country.

“We hosted the first edition in 2024 with over 100 golfers, and this year too we have similar participation. The idea is to build the ecosystem of golf and showcase Royal Springs Golf Course, which is among the most scenic golf courses in the country,” he said.

According to Singh, the event features 14 teams comprising around 84 players along with special invitees and corporate partners.

“It is a team event where each side has six players. Along with competitive golf, the event also creates networking opportunities,” he said.

Singh said WHS Sports Hub has also been working on football and pickleball infrastructure in Kashmir and aims to use sports as a positive force for youth engagement.

“We want to create platforms that are accessible to all sections of society. Sports can play a huge role in keeping youngsters away from drugs,” he said.

He added that the organisation plans to host more tournaments and sporting events in the future to strengthen the sporting ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.