IPL dream, global events on J&K sports radar: Satish Sharma

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, on Wednesday said the government is committed to promoting sports as a tool to steer youth away from drug abuse and announced plans to host major national and international sporting events in the region, including efforts to secure an Indian Premier League (IPL) team for J&K in the future.

Speaking to reporters after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off Cyclothon-2026 on World Bicycle Day in Srinagar, Sharma said the event was organised under the theme “Say No to Drugs” to raise awareness among youngsters about the dangers of substance abuse.

“The biggest challenge confronting society today is the menace of drugs. Many youngsters lose their way, but they are our children and it is our responsibility to bring them back into the mainstream. We need more de-addiction centres, more sports infrastructure and greater sporting opportunities for our youth,” he said.

The minister stressed that sports can play a key role in channeling the energy of young people in a positive direction and keeping them away from social evils.

Highlighting the government’s sports development plans, Sharma said J&K would host a series of major events in the coming months. He said a larger downhill mountain biking competition is being planned in Sonamarg after a successful trial event in Gulmarg last year.

He also announced plans to expand water sports events and said the government intends to position Gulmarg as a global winter sports destination by extending the duration of winter sporting activities.

“We want to make Gulmarg the world capital of winter sports. Instead of a four-day event, we are planning activities spread over around 15 days so that tourism and local employment receive a boost,” Sharma said.

On cricket, the minister expressed optimism about bringing IPL matches to Jammu and Kashmir and eventually securing a franchise.

“I have discussed the matter with the Chief Minister. It is our dream to have an IPL team from Jammu and Kashmir in the future. Our youth have immense talent and deserve a platform to showcase their abilities,” he said.

Sharma said district-level leagues would also be launched across various disciplines to identify and nurture emerging talent. Referring to the recent success of the J&K cricket team in the Ranji Trophy, he said the achievement reflected the sporting potential of the region.

The minister acknowledged shortcomings in sports infrastructure but assured that efforts were underway to upgrade stadiums and sporting facilities across Jammu and Kashmir.

“We will address the deficiencies and move forward positively. Our focus is on creating better facilities and more opportunities for the youth,” he added.