Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented his maiden budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, announcing a significant capital expenditure allocation of Rs 152.69 crore for the sports sector, marking a rise of Rs 36.91 crore over the previous year. The ambitious budget aims to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a leading sports hub with a focus on infrastructure, athlete development and mass participation.
While presenting the budget, Abdullah highlighted several key initiatives, including the establishment of 100 Khelo India Centres, development of modern sports complexes and the introduction of synthetic turfs in major stadia. He emphasized the Government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in sports, nurturing emerging talent and enhancing the region’s sports ecosystem. Abdullah also outlined plans to enhance Jammu and Kashmir’s position as the winter sports capital, with more events in Gulmarg, and the promotion of water sports through dedicated academies.
In a move to further nurture sporting talent, the Chief Minister announced the creation of National Centres of Excellence for water sports at Dal Lake in Srinagar and Basohli in Jammu. Additionally, a Gymnastics Academy will be set up at Gindun Stadium, Rajbagh, and four state-of-the-art Cricket Academies will be established with a budgetary allocation of Rs 8 crore.
The budget also includes the construction of two Youth Hostels, one each in Jammu and Srinagar, with a provision of Rs 10 crore. In addition, High-Performance Training Centers will be developed across all districts in a phased manner to ensure grassroots-level athlete training. The Chief Minister set an ambitious target to engage 75 lakh youth in sports activities throughout the region, further promoting a culture of fitness and excellence.
To support sports tourism, the Government plans to host national and international sporting events and organize football exchange programs to expose local players to global best practices. Abdullah also announced initiatives to enhance coach training, including the Football Development Program and World Coach Programs.
The Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to making quality sports infrastructure accessible, with plans to develop 247 playfields, stadiums and sports courts across the region and the construction and upgradation of 19 sports buildings. Advanced sports equipment and modern amenities will also be procured to enhance the facilities.
Omar assured that athletes would receive support for travel, accommodation and training to compete at national and international levels without financial constraints. Special emphasis will be placed on rural and tribal populations to promote sports at the grassroots level and ensure inclusivity. The Government will also commission two new swimming pools in both Jammu and Srinagar, expanding training facilities for young athletes.
Highlights
• Water Sports Centres at Dal Lake & Basohli
• Gymnastics Academy at Rajbagh & Khel Gaon
• 4 state-of-the-art Cricket Academies (Rs 8 Cr)
• 2 Youth Hostels (Rs 10 Cr)
• High-Performance Training Centers in every district
