Jammu, Jan 17 (.) Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary alongwith Minister for Youth Services and Sports and Transport Satish Sharma on Saturday inaugurated the Border Sports Festival–2026 at the Sports Stadium, Nowshera in Rajouri district.
On the occasion, the dignitaries also laid foundation stone for construction of a volleyball court, practice pitch and other allied works at the stadium.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, who highlighted the government’s initiatives to strengthen sports infrastructure and promote sporting culture in border areas.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said that projects worth Rs 2 crore have been sanctioned for improving sports infrastructure in Nowshera.
He announced that the stadium will be equipped with proper lighting facilities and released Rs 20 lakh from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for further development works.
The Dy CM warmly welcomed international players participating in the Border Sports Festival and emphasized that sports play a vital role in steering youth away from drugs.
He said the government is actively considering the regularisation of Rehbar-e-Khel and appealed to the parents to encourage their children to actively participate in sports.
Satish Sharma, while speaking on the occasion, said the government is fully committed to promote border sports, developing employment hubs and strengthening indoor sports facilities.
He remarked that “today’s sweat becomes tomorrow’s success” and reiterated the government’s resolve to combat drug menace and narco-terrorism.
The Minister announced that playfields will be developed in every Panchayat and a cricket academy will be established next year.
He also appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for actively promoting sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir.
As part of the Border Sports Festival, a vibrant Dangal (traditional wrestling) competition, Kabaddi competition and tug of war were also organised, drawing enthusiastic participation and large public turnout.
The programme concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where the players, organisers and contributors were honoured for their outstanding efforts.
. VBH .
