Rs 5 cr in Capex budget to transform Jammu University into sports hub

Moreover maiden ‘sports policy’ is also in the offing to introduce sports as a one of the supreme disciplines for the aspirants desirous to adopt this field as a profession.

Sharing about upcoming projects and facilities for sports persons in the University Campus, Director, Department of Physical Education Daud Iqbal revealed to UNI that University’s exclusive sports policy is already in offing and will be announced very soon.

The Director stated that Rs 5 crore has been kept in the Capex budget for the year 2023-24 focusing on facilities, infrastructure and introducing more disciplines as sports academies.

“In months to come, we will be focussing on combat sports for which the complex will be readied besides an exclusive shooting range, " said Dr Iqbal.

“Our own Sports Policy is in the final shape and very soon will be in public domain,” Dr Iqbal said, stating that the policy has been framed with a motive to promote sports and benefit everyone connected to this sector.

“Jammu University is the first institution in Jammu and Kashmir to have synthetic athletic track and, it has resulted into first ever qualification by one Hritik Singh of Trikuta College in decathlon for the national championship,” adds Daud.

He further disclosed that a 200-bedded Sports Hostel is ready to cater teams coming from other districts for the participation in different tournaments and special training camps.

“An international standard infrastructure with “world class” facilities will be visible in the sports centre of the University besides additional recruitment of coaches also on deputation from the J&K Sports Council and the Department of Youth Services and Sports,” disclosed Daud.

At present the Jammu University has active academies in Fencing, Boxing, Football, Table Tennis and Cricket and more will be introduced with augmentation of infrastructure.

“Idea behind bringing sports academies is to identify talent at young age and once they will be groomed in the Nursery of Sports, results are completely different,” he said and added that though exercise is time consuming but gradually, Jammu University will be transformed into a hub of Sports.

“The Jammu and Kashmir Government is supported a lot, funds are being enhanced every year with swelling participation of athletes,” said Daud Iqbal stating that special funds are kept in the Capex budget for the sports sector for the year 2023-24.

“Sports development is a continuous process and will further be strengthened,” he narrated.

Notably, Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu on National Sports Day in 2022, had ensured the Directorate for infrastructure development including synthetic Kho-Kho ground, Synthetic Basketball Court, Shooting Range and Multipurpose Hall for all indoor games.