J&K to host 1st National Sports Conference ‘SRIJAN’ in Jammu on January 17-18

Jammu, Jan 15: The Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (YSS), J&K, will host the Union Territory’s first-ever national sports conference, titled ‘SRIJAN’, on January 17 and 18 at the Convention Centre here, bringing together policymakers, sports administrators and Olympic icons Abhinav Bindra and Karnam Malleshwari to chart a new roadmap for sports development in J&K in line with the National Sports Policy 2025.

The conference, as per a DYSS statement issued on Thursday, marks a pivotal moment, capitalising on J&K’s remarkable transformation in recent years, which has seen a surge in world-class infrastructure, unprecedented grassroots participation, and robust talent identification pathways. This event is designed to catapult that momentum onto the national stage, positioning J&K as an emerging powerhouse of sports excellence and inclusivity.

The two-day intellectual and strategic marathon will bring together policymakers, states/UTs, premier institutions, and seasoned practitioners. The agenda is sharply focused on sharing best practices in sports governance, enhancing mass participation, and building systems for sustainable excellence. Core discussions will revolve around actionable strategies to implement the National Sports Policy 2025 and to harness sports as a powerful tool for holistic youth development, social unity, and nation building.

The conference is being organised as part of an ambitious annual calendar of activities framed on the instructions of the Chief Secretary, J&K. It is being held under the leadership of Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Department of Youth Services & Sports, J&K, and the direct supervision of Anuradha Gupta, Director General of the Department. Meticulous planning is underway, with several dedicated committees working to ensure the event’s grand success.

Adding immense inspiration and prestige to this historic gathering will be the presence of national icons such as Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, whose name is synonymous with peak performance. His unparalleled journey of discipline, resilience, and excellence stands as a beacon for aspiring athletes across the nation. Also gracing the event will be Karnam Malleshwari, the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. The conference will also be attended by numerous local sportspersons who have made their mark at the national and international levels.

“This conference is not just a discussion; it is the launchpad for a sporting revolution in J&K,” said the Director General of Youth Services and Sports. “With the guidance of our esteemed guests and the collective wisdom of national experts, we are here to draft an actionable blueprint. The goal is clear: to create a system where every young talent in J&K is seen, nurtured, and propelled to the podium.”

The J&K Sports Conference 2024 promises to be more than an event; it is a decisive step toward building a legacy where sport becomes a definitive career and a source of pride for the youth of J&K.