Says Landmark Project Will Provide International-Standard Training, Boost Sports Infrastructure and Nurture Future Champions
Srinagar, June 25 (KNC): Secretary/Commissioner, Youth Services and Sports Department, Jammu & Kashmir, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Thursday welcomed the Government of India’s approval for the Union Territory’s first National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Sports, describing it as a historic achievement that will transform the sporting ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir and open new avenues for aspiring athletes.
In a social media post, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary termed the approval a proud moment for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the landmark project will provide international-standard opportunities for training, skill development, coaching and hosting sporting events.
He said the first-of-its-kind high-performance sports facility will significantly strengthen sports infrastructure in the Union Territory and help place Jammu and Kashmir firmly on India’s as well as the global sporting map.
According to Shahid Choudhary, the National Centre of Excellence will include state-of-the-art facilities such as athletics tracks, indoor courts, football and hockey turfs, kabaddi and kho-kho courts, a shooting range, swimming pool, taekwondo hall, strength and conditioning complex, hostels, sports science centre and sports medicine centre.
He said the world-class infrastructure and athlete support systems will enable talented sportspersons from Jammu and Kashmir to receive professional coaching and scientific training, helping nurture the next generation of national and international champions.
Expressing gratitude to everyone associated with the initiative, Shahid Choudhary congratulated the entire team of the Department of Youth Services and Sports, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and the J&K Sports Council for their coordinated efforts in securing the prestigious project.
He further noted that the proposal for the National Centre of Excellence was conceptualised during the April 2026 Chintan Shivir held in Srinagar, adding that the Government of India’s approval reflects the success of collective planning, vision and teamwork.
The approval of Jammu and Kashmir’s first National Centre of Excellence in Sports is expected to provide a major boost to sports infrastructure, athlete development, sports science and high-performance training, creating new opportunities for the youth of the Union Territory and strengthening its presence in national and international sporting arenas. (KNC)
