Emphasising Jammu and Kashmir’s potential of becoming a world-renowned sports destination, Director of Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoub, on Sunday said that the government is considering promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a world sports destination.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a golf tournament at the Royal Springs Golf Course in the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains here.
Speaking to media persons, Yaqoub highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a globally recognized sports hub. “Our endeavors are focused on transforming Jammu & Kashmir into a world-renowned sports destination. As we know, J&K boasts some of the finest golf courses, we are actively pursuing the organization of international tournaments here,” he stated.
Highlighting the significance of such tournaments, he explained that the recent golf event aimed to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a premier sports destination. “Sixteen teams and ninety-six players from across the country participated in the tournament. Our golf courses in the Kashmir Valley are among the finest, and the government is striving to attract international tournaments,” Yaqoub added.
Commending the abundance of local talent in Kashmir, the director said that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir possess immense potential and have been given numerous opportunities to excel in sports over the past few years. “Youth of J&K have lots of talent and in the last few years they have been provided ample opportunities to excel in the sports field,” he said.
Yaqoub highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve sports infrastructure in the Valley, facilitated by both the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir administration. “The government of J&K is gradually working to organize international matches here. Over the last three to four years, the sports infrastructure in the valley has been vastly improved,” he remarked.
The government’s initiatives to promote sports tourism in Kashmir is expected to boost the local economy and put the valley on the global sports map, offering new opportunities for local athletes and attracting international attention.
Meanwhile, speaking with the media persons Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir R R Bhatnagar said that the Govt is dedicated to nurture the gulf sport in J&K.
Speaking during the sidelines of the golf event, Bhatnagar said that this event would contribute to the growth of golf’s popularity and attract an increased number of tourists to Jammu and Kashmir. The visiting players were highly impressed by the quality of the golf courses and the warm hospitality extended by the people of Kashmir, he said.
“We want more people to come and enjoy golf in the beautiful valley. The government has already done a lot and plans to do more to make sports better in J&K”, he added.
Golf is very important for tourism and the government is making sure the golf courses are in great shape. Administration wants to make J&K famous for golf, he said, adding that J&K has amazing golf courses that look beautiful and are great for playing professional golf.
“Every year, big golf tournaments are held in Kashmir, which helps bring more visitors and I believe that J&K is perfect for golf and adventure. The government is bringing more big tournaments and making the golf courses even better”, he added.
He said that in Kashmir valley, there are three golf courses that meet international standards, and there’s one more in Sidhra, Jammu. The government’s goal is to make golf a big part of tourism in J&K, and it is improving the sports places to make this happen, he concluded.
