Jammu- Aiming to give sports a major lift, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday announced a budgetary allocation of ₹152.69 crore for 2025-26 while announcing several developmental initiatives.
The CM told the Legislative Assembly that National Centres of Excellence for Water Sports will be established at Dal Lake in Srinagar and Basohli in Jammu. He said his government is prioritizing water sports promotion, including kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating.
“Tourism assets at Manasbal are being enhanced, and jet skiing, speed boating and houseboats are being developed at Ranjit Sagar Lake,” he said.
He added that the Z-Morh Tunnel has made Sonamarg an all-weather destination, “unlocking its potential for international standard skiing and ice-skating facilities.”
The CM added that a Gymnastics Academy will be set up at Gindun Rajbagh and Khel Gaon, Nagrota. Four state-of-the-art cricket academies will be also established with a budgetary allocation of ₹8 crore. Two new Youth Hostels, one each in Jammu and Kashmir, will be constructed with a provision of ₹10 crore. High-Performance Training Centers will be developed in all districts.
He added that to promote mass participation, “we aim to engage 75 lakh youth in sports activities
across Jammu & Kashmir.”
“We are developing 247 playfields, stadiums, and sports courts across the region, along with the construction and upgradation of 19 sports buildings,” the CM said.
The CM said two new swimming pools will also be commissioned in both capital cities. He said that dedicated sports facilities will be created for migrant populations to ensure inclusivity, while special emphasis will be placed on involving the rural and tribal population in games.
“Our vision is to make sports an integral part of community development, ensuring participation from all sections of society,” Omar said.
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