Khadse Highlights Kashmir’s Role in India’s Sporting Future, Inaugurates Wushu Trials, Water Sports Festival

SRINAGAR: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse wrapped up her two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir today, underlining the region’s importance in shaping India’s next generation of athletes. The Minister inaugurated the Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Srinagar’s Dal Lake, reviewed a grassroots talent identification camp, and launched the selection trials for the 20th Asian Games in Wushu.

The visit formed part of the government’s Khelo Bharat Niti-2025, which seeks to identify talent at the grassroots level while creating a transparent pathway to international competition.

At the University of Kashmir, Khadse oversaw a two-day talent identification camp for athletics and volleyball. More than 150 boys and girls from districts including Pulwama, Budgam and Ganderbal took part in fitness and performance tests ranging from sprinting to endurance drills. Athletes selected from the camp will be considered for induction into Sports Authority of India’s premier training centres.

“The talent we see here in Kashmir is immense. Our goal is to ensure that every single one of these young athletes has a clear pathway from the grassroots level to the podium. We are not just building sports infrastructure; we are building a new generation of champions for India,” Khadse said while interacting with participants.

The Minister was joined at the event by University of Kashmir Vice Chancellor Nilofar Khan, Khelo India Director Sushant Kandwal, Fit India’s Nadim Dar, and other senior officials.

Later, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, Khadse inaugurated the Asian Games Wushu selection trials. More than 200 athletes are vying across seven weight categories, with shortlisted contenders set to compete in a series of ranking tournaments before the final Asian Games team is named.

During the occasion, Khadse felicitated nine medal winners from the recent Asian Junior Wushu Championships, stressing the government’s commitment to recognising young achievers. “The commencement of these selection trials is a fantastic step in our journey towards a stronger presence on the international stage,” she said.

Senior officials including J&K Sports Council Secretary Nazhul Gul, Wushu Federation CEO Suhail Ahmad, ADGP Armed Police Anand Jain, and Arjuna Awardee Kuldeep Handoo, attended the function.

Her Srinagar visit, marked by the twin focus on grassroots scouting and international preparation, sought to project Jammu and Kashmir as a key hub in India’s sporting map.