J&K Chief Secretary Reviews Sports Initiatives: Over 35 Lakh Youth Engaged as UT Bolsters Athletic Ecosystem
JAMMU, MARCH 16, 2026 — Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the Youth Services & Sports Department and the J&K Sports Council, highlighting a record-breaking year for youth engagement in the Union Territory.
With over 35 lakh young people already participating in sports activities this year, the Chief Secretary emphasized that sports and creative arts are the most effective tools for character building and combating social challenges like drug abuse.
The meeting underscored a strategic shift toward a “Nasha Mukt J&K” (Drug-Free J&K) through grassroots athletic interventions, noting that the massive participation—projected to hit 37.75 lakh by the end of March—exceeds initial government targets and reflects a growing culture of fitness and discipline across all districts.
During the session, Commissioner Secretary Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary revealed that the first-ever Draft Youth Policy for Jammu and Kashmir has been prepared to serve as a long-term roadmap for leadership and talent promotion. Key successes reported included the “Leagues of Classics,” which has engaged 2.23 lakh youth in cricket and football, and a surge in digital outreach, with MyBharat portal registrations jumping to over 7.10 lakh.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed an ambitious upcoming calendar featuring the “Aarohan 2026” National Youth Festival in Srinagar and the “Back to Bachpan” initiative, which aims to revive traditional games like Gilli Danda. To ensure talent is identified early, the administration proposed establishing 788 school-cluster sports clubs to provide scientific training for children aged 8 to 14.
The Union Territory’s infrastructure and competitive performance have also reached new heights, with J&K athletes clinching 28 international and 469 national medals this financial year. Secretary Nuzhat Gul informed the chair that over 50 major infrastructure projects, including Olympic-standard swimming pools and synthetic football grounds, are ready for inauguration.
Looking ahead to late 2026, Jammu and Kashmir is set to host prestigious international events, including the International Rafting Championship and the South Asian Wushu Championship.
The Chief Secretary concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that the energy of J&K’s youth is channeled toward a healthy, purposeful, and medal-winning future.