JKSC Scripts New Era of Development, Success Stories

Kashmir Magazine

Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has scripted a new era of development, success stories and initiatives over the past few years with state of the art infrastructure being put in place at all major stadiums across the Union Territory.

Over the past few years, JKSC has taken several initiatives in upgrading the sports infrastructure in the UT and has provided a platform for the youth to showcase their talent in order to write a new era of success stories and provide a boost to sports activities in the entire UT.

The following Success Stories, Initiatives and future plans of J&K Sports Council were carried out as a tool to wean away youth from banned drugs, militancy, stone pelting, ant-social evils and diversion towards the National stream:

Infrastructure:

World Class Stadiums established at M. A Stadium, Jammu & Bakhshi Stadium, Srinagar to pay the way for conduct of International matches in Cricket & Football. Major Indoor sports complexes under PMDP & JKIDFC scheme were established for integrated development of all sports, out of which 13 completed & 11 under various stages of execution.

J&K UT brought on the world water sports map by establishing the Water Sports Centre at, Dal Lake, Srinagar under PMDP and also Centre of Excellence under Khelo India Scheme in Rowing & Kayaking disciplines was inaugurated. Similar watersports centre at Basholi Kathua. Manasbal Ganderbal is under pipeline.

Major impetus given to evening sports activity for the first time in J&K by installation of Flood lights at Bemina playfield Srinagar, Lal Bazar play field Srinagar, NaidKhai Baramulla , R.S.Pura Jammu, Hira nagar , Kathua Green field Gandhi Nagar Jammu, Seer Hamdan Anantnag, BHSS Kupwara, Shopian playfield, Sopore Playfield, Radapora play field Srinagar, Chinkra Mohalla play field Srinagar, Nowshera Rajouri, Kalakote Rajouri, Madr-i-Meherban Stadium Ganderbal, Palma play field Akhnoor Jammu, and Lamberi play field Rajouri.

Weaning way of youth from antisocial activities by establishment of play fields at Wullarhama Anantnag, Reasi, ChevaKhauda Pulwama, K.K Hakku Stadium Jammu, Shastri Nagar Jammu, Marh Jammu, Gogo Rangreth Budgam, Hari Nambal Natipora Srinagar, Purmandal Samba, Magam Budgam, Bihama Ganderbal, and Salmeri Vijaypur Samba which has brought sea changes & participation of youth in the sports at Village/town level.

In order to provide adequate space to the spectators, construction of Pavilion Block at Gani Memorial Stadium Srinagar, Play field Palma Akhnoor, Jammu and upgradation of Pavilion block of K K Hakhu Stadium Jammu was completed.

Restoration of gutted/mulled a well known sports club namely Saif-ud-Din club at SKICC Srinagar. This has proved pivotal in attracting the youth in sports to have evening club activities.

Large scale development of synthetic turfs in Hockey, Volleyball, Football, Squash, Rugby, Tennis, Basketball & Badminton which has the capacity to bring the J&K youth to the National & Olympic podium.

Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Fencing Sports disciplines established at M. A Stadium, Jammu to provide better facilities on scientific lines to improve the skills of outstanding & budding players.

State of art Gymnastic academy established at M. A Stadium, Jammu to provide a platform to youth of J&K to prove their mettle at National & International competitions, besides providing venue for hosting of National level competitions.

Sports Activities:

26000 youth benefitted in Online coaching programmes/fitness skills at home in various Sports disciplines like Judo, Gymnastic, Hockey, Yoga, Basketball, Volleyball, Martial Arts, Football, Cricket, Weight Lifting, Wushu, Netball, Chess, Korfball etc.

500 athletes from Sher-i-Khas took part in Downtown Roller skating and Roll ball camp at Radapora Stadium Khanyar Srinagar. National Coaching Camp for Indian team for preparation/training for qualifying round of Olympics from 31st March in which 40 participants across the States/UT’s of the country participated.

2000 youth participated in Cricket Tournaments under floodlights held at Ganderbal Stadium, Bemina playfield and Bandipora Stadium. Football being the major attraction of the youth of J&K, Sports Council Football Academy did coaching at grass root level in 10 district centres enrolled 1750 talented youth for sustained training.

Down Town youth of Srinagar district which were riddled with anti-social activities have been engaged in various football club activities supported by Sports Council for active involvement in sports activities & league matches. The number of youth engaged is 4000 plus of all age groups.

500 players registered their participation in Hockey coaching cum competitions conducted at Srinagar, Baramulla, Jammu and Poonch Stadiums through Hockey J&K.

Downtown Srinagar, Border areas & South Kashmir youth are continuously being engaged in Kabaddi, Volleyball & other local games and in this direction district level competition at Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Srinagar, Pulwama, Budgam, Bandipora, Shopian, Anantnag and Baramulla were conducted. More than 3000 athletes took part in these activities.

Attendance of trainees across the outdoor fields and stadia’s is around 6000 on weekdays and weekends it is 35000 people in all stadia across the UT.

Water Sports coaching mostly girls were imparted at Water Sports Centre, Dal Lake Srinagar. More than 1000 athletes received training which shall be utilized as a resources bank for future competitions.

8500 athletes participated in District & Divisional level for the first time in the history of J&K in sustained league matches in Football, hockey, Volleyball & Kabaddi disciplines.

Khelo India 2nd Edition National Winter Games was organized at Gulmarg in February/March, 2021 in which 1200 athletes from 27 States/UTs participated. J&K emerged champion in the medal tally. The event was inaugurated by the Prime Minister through an e-message video.

The Senior National Soft Tennis Championship was hosted for the first time in UT of J&K at Srinagar in March, 2021 in which 390 athletes from 23 States/UTs participated. J&K ranked 3rd in the National event.

1500 athletes from 32 States/UTs participated in Senior, Junior and Sub Junior National Pencak Silat Championships at Indoor Stadium Pologround, Srinagar in March. J&K emerged champion in the medal tally.

8900 athletes participated in Annual UT level Championships held at Jammu/Kashmir in the discipline of Table Tennis, Wushu, Rowing, Taekwondo, Football, Skiing, Pencak Silat, Thang-Ta, Soft Tennis, Yoga, Cycling, Volleyball, Chess, Badminton, Bodybuilding, Deaf sports, Roll ball, Tennis Ball cricket, Weightlifting, Boxing, Athletics, Wrestling, Karate and Judo. Large number of spectators witnessed the championships.

1500 athletes & 5000 spectators registered their participation in Exhibition Football, Rugby & Water sports events during the inauguration of Khelo India State Centre of Excellence.

The medal tally of J&K UT at National level competitions in 2020-21 in 14 disciplines is 72 Gold, 90 Silver & 145 Bronze medals. 280 Athletes from 20 States/UTs in 7th National Ice Stock Sports Championship held at Gulmarg Kashmir from 28th -31st January, 2021. J&K emerged Champion.

The lives of more than 1,50,000 athletes and sports enthusiasts have been touched by consistent efforts of J&K Sports Council for creating a sports environment in J&K. The sustained campaign of sports, banned drugs and anti-social activities is proving a boon as more & more youth are coming in the ambit of nationalism by getting training and participating in all National/International events in various sports disciplines.

Celebration of Sports Events on “Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” 75th Anniversary of India’s Freedom by J&K Sports Council. J&K Sports Council has undertaken success stories in sports activities under “Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” 75th Anniversary of India’s Freedom and engaged mass youth for participation in various sports activities as per the details given hereunder: -

19th J&K UT Athletics Championship organized at Jammu University Ground from 19th to 21st March, 2021 in collaboration with J&K Amateur Athletics Association. Celebration of Yoga Day on 21st June at Hari Niwas - Jammu, TRC Field (East/West) Srinagar, Sports Stadium Poonch, Subash Stadium -Udhampur & Rajouri Stadium.

J&K Premier League in Football, Volleyball, Hockey & Kabaddi were organized at TRC Srinagar, Gindun Stadium, Polo Ground Playing Field and Samba Stadium on 5th July, 2021 onwards.

Short Marathon Run from Lalit Palace to TRC Field Srinagar on 7th August, 2021. District Water Skiing Competitions at SKISC on 9th August, 2021. Basketball, Weightlifting, Taekwondo, Cross Fit & Arm Sports events organized at Gindun Sports Complex, Rajbagh on 9th August, 2021.

Jammu District Basketball Championship was organized at M.A. Stadium, Jammu on 9th & 10th August, 2021. T-10 Cricket Leagues was conducted at TRC Field, Srinagar & Bijbehara Cricket Field on 9th August, 2021.

Friendly Cricket Match was conducted at SK Stadium, Bandipora on 9th August, 2021. Football Match Organized at Radapora Stadium, Srinagar on 8th August, 2021. Srinagar District Basketball Championship organized at Sports Stadium, Gindun Rajbagh from 8th August, 2021 onwards. Similar tournament was also conducted at Shastri Nagar Playing Field Jammu on 8th August, 2021.

District Level Pencak Silat Championships were organized at Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Budgam, Ganderbal, Shopian, Anantnag, Kulgam, Jammu, Rajouri, Samba, Udhampur, Ramban & Srinagar from 5th to 13th August, 2021.

District Level Rugby Championships were organized at Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Budgam, Ganderbal, Shopian, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Samba & Srinagar from 5th to 13th August, 2021.

Women’s Rugby, Football & Cricket Exhibition Matches were conducted at TRC Field, Srinagar on 6th August, 2021 & Calendar of Independence Day Celebration Sports Week was unveiled by Hon’ble LG, J&K.

Bijbehara Premier League in Cricket was organized on 7th August, 2021.
Day & Night Wushu bouts was conducted at Indoor Sports Complex, Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu on 8th August, 2021.

Hockey Match was organized at Green Field Gandhi Nagar, Jammu on 9th August, 2021. Half Marathon Run was flagged off from K.K. Hakku Stadium, Jammu on 10th August, 2021. Plantation and Cleanliness Drive was also organized at Sports Stadiums.

District Samba Kabaddi Championship was organized on 10th August, 2021 at Indoor Stadium, Samba. Judo bouts were organized at Judo Hall, Indoor Sports Complex, Jammu on 10th August, 2021.

Gymnastics Demonstrations of Jammu, Kathua & Samba athlete and Competitions were organized at indoor Stadium, Samba on 11th August, 2021.
The District Chess Championship was conducted at Bandipora on 11th August, 2021.

Jammu District Badminton Championship was organized at Indoor Stadium, Jammu on 11th August, 2021. Similar Championship was also organized at Indoor Sports Complex, Srinagar in collaboration with J&K Badminton Association.

Football Competitions were conducted at Rajouri Stadium from 11th August, 2021 between DFA Rajouri & Sports Stadium Rajouri 11. Special Swimming Coaching Camp was conducted for Sub Junior Swimmers at Water Sports Centre Srinagar from 12th August, 2021.

Srinagar District Chess Championship was conducted at Polo Ground, Indoor Sports Complex on 12th August, 2021. T-10 Women’s Cricket Championship was conducted at TRC Field Srinagar on 12th August, 2021.

Sports Cycling Competitions in both the genders in different age categories was kick started at K.K. Hakku Stadium, Jammu on 12th August, 2021. Bandipora District Chess Championship was organized at Bandipora Stadium on 12th August, 2021.

Volleyball Exhibition was organized at Shastri Nagar, Playing Field Jammu on 13th August, 2021. The District Chess Championship was organized at Udhampur on 14th August, 2021. Athletics Competitions in 1500 metres for Boys & 1000 metres for Girls were organized at Jammu on 14th August, 2021.

Exhibition Volleyball Match was organized at Mini Stadium, Udhampur on 14th August, 2021. Exhibition Soft Tennis Match was organized at Gindun Stadium, Rajbagh on 9th of August, 2021.

The Night Rugby Match was organized at Bandipora Stadium on 15th August, 2021. Women’s Cricket Match was organized at Kathua Stadium on 16th August, 2021. 3x3 Basketball match was organized at Women’s Degree College, Pulwama on 13th August, 2021.

Football Competitions at District Level were conducted at Handwara - Play Field, Kupwara , Shopian Playing Field and Synthetic Turf, Srinagar from 5th August to 11th August, 2021 in collaboration with J&K Football Association.
Futsal Exhibition Match was conducted at Gindun Stadium, Rajbagh on 12th August, 2021 which was followed by demonstration of Thang-Ta & Judo bouts. Advisor (F) to LG, UT of J&K presided over the function.
The District Soft Tennis Championship was organized at Budgam Stadium on 10th August, 2021.

Volleyball Match was organized at Birpur Village on 6th August, 2021. Cricket Match was organized at GGM Science College, Jammu on 6th & 7th August, 2021. Open Football Selection Trials for U-13, U-15 & U-18 Boys were conducted at GGM Science College Ground from 6th to 8th August, 2021.

Boxing Bouts were conducted at Sports Stadium, Poonch on 7th August, 2021.
Unfurling of the National Flag was hoisted followed by the National Anthem at Administrative Block of J&K Sports Council on 14th August, 2021.

Flag Hoisting Ceremony was organized at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar on 15th August, 2021 and Playing Field, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur & Samba stadia. About 1.5 Lacs youth participated in above sports activities and more than 1.00 Lacs spectators witnessed the matches.

Initiatives

Special Initiatives/programmes on the involvement of more youth in Sports Activities with the target of 7.50 Lacs in different sports disciplines. Special emphasis in youth engagement programmes in rural, sensitive, tribal and border areas for potential sports disciplines.

Database of the sports persons participating in various sports activities. Extending basic amenities to the sportspersons for putting a dedicated focus on the up-gradation of existing infrastructure.

Vaccination and COVID-19 awareness campaign for young athletes. Set a self-target for rejuvenating important water bodies of J&K for Water Sports Activities.

Sustained hand holding to the young budding sports persons belonging to weaker sections to display their talent at higher levels including undergoing Sports Coaching Courses. Conduct of durable leagues in major sports disciplines.

Creation of new sports infrastructure (Outdoor and Indoor) at Panchayat and District Level under different schemes. Providing a platform to athletes of UT to showcase their talent.

Hosting of National Events in different sports disciplines in the UT of J&K for providing exposure to the outstanding sportspersons and interaction with reputed players of the country.

Conduct of Online E-Sports Learning programme and uploading of videos of professional coaches and eminent sports persons to reduce impact of COVID- 19.

Celebration of International Yoga Day, National Sports Day, Olympic Day, Independence Day and Republic Day by way of display of sports demonstrations/programmes.

Imparting Coaching to the beginners through in-house coaching structure/academies. Setting up of residential sports academies in potential sports disciplines to promote excellence. Special Emphasis on promotion of Winter Sports and Water Sports activities and medal winning games.

Hiring of Manpower for Khelo India Centres, Centre of Excellence, PMDP Infrastructure and in-house Academies. Special Drive for bringing the girls in various sports programmes for sustained development. Linking of Aadhaar Card and Bank Account of Athletes for registrations at various sports facilities/events.

Process has been started for online documentation of events, athletes, data bank of medal winners and all functions of Sports Council.

Proposed Plans for 2021-22

Conduct of Long Distance Skiing Competitions/Regatta. Holding of J&K UT Level Competitions in various recognized sports disciplines through sports associations/in-house structure. Conduct of Selection trials for fielding of teams for National level Competitions through recognised sports associations.
Organizing residential coaching camps for selected squads/teams/contingent representing National Competitions in various sports disciplines.

Deployment of teams for National Level competitions through sports associations. Hosting of National Level competitions in J&K in Badminton, Volleyball, Soft Tennis, Handball, Thang-Ta, Kayaking & Canoeing, Baseball and Gymnastics. Holding of Snow Skiing Courses at Gulmarg/Patnitop. Holding of Snow & Ice based Sports Competitions through respective sports associations at Gulmarg & Pahalgam.

Hosting of 3rd Edition of Khelo India National Winter Games at Gulmarg. Conduct of Water Sports Competitions at Basohli & Mansar. Conduct of Winter Coaching Camps for Valley based players at Jammu in various sports disciplines. Hosting of National Events in 17 Sports Disciplines for providing exposure to the talented athletes and interaction with the reputed players of the country.

Special programme on the involvement of mass youth in sports activities with a target of 7.50 lacs in different sports disciplines. Special emphasis in youth engagement programmes in rural, sensitive, tribal and border areas for potential sports disciplines. Conduct of durable leagues in major sports disciplines. Special girls league programme in Football and Cricket.

Sustained hand holding to the economically weaker section athletes for capacity building courses/Sports Coaching programmes. Setting up of residential sports academies in potential sports disciplines especially Hockey, Football and Gymnastics to promote excellence. Special emphasis on promotion of Winter Sports and Water Sports Activities including medal winning games. Special drug de-addiction programmes to bring a paradigm shift of youth from drug menace.

Issues & Challenges

Since the Government has raised the sports infrastructure across the territory over these years, the only concern for us is to provide coaching to tap the local talent and nurture them for national and international platforms. That way these newly created infrastructural facilities would be utilized in a proper and organized manner. For meeting the purpose following issues / challenges are to be solved / supported:

Dire need of Residential Facilities for trainees at Srinagar, Jammu & Gulmarg in major / popular sports disciplines viz Football & Cricket where players can be groomed in a professional atmosphere aiming to reach to the podium finishers at National & International level. High Performance Coaches and Support staff with latest equipment is required.

Establishing few more Centre of Excellence in J&K in medal winning / potential sports with High Performance Coaches & latest equipment. Providing of Coaches and Equipment in establishing Small Scale Units in Rural / Border / Sensitive areas in popular sports disciplines like Kabaddi, Volleyball & Wrestling (Indian Style).

Short exposure trips for scouted trainees in major sports disciplines and to train in some world class facilities and opponents every year.

Providing of Expertise in other games viz Professional Coaches, Sports Management Professionals, Technical Experts, Sports Science Experts, Dieticians & Nutritionists, and Physiotherapists in every training centre.