The Impressive TimesSrinagar, August 22: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, concluded her two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir with a strong message of commitment to developing grassroots talent and preparing India for global sporting excellence.
On the first day, the Minister inaugurated the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 at the iconic Dal Lake, featuring competitions in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. She also reviewed a Grassroots Talent Identification Camp at the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, where over 150 athletes from districts including Pulwama, Budgam, and Ganderbal participated in physical and athletic assessments such as sprints, vertical jumps, medicine ball throws, and the Cooper Test.
Interacting with the participants, Smt. Khadse assured full government support, stating, “The talent we see here in Kashmir is immense. Our goal is to ensure every athlete has a clear pathway from grassroots to the podium. We are not just building sports infrastructure; we are building a new generation of champions for India.”
On the second day, she inaugurated the selection trials for the 20th Asian Games 2026 Wushu events at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), with over 200 athletes competing across seven categories. The trials will shortlist players for ranking tournaments leading up to the final Asian Games team selection.
During the event, the Minister also felicitated nine medalists from the recent 12th Asian Junior Wushu Championships 2025, acknowledging their contribution to India’s sporting achievements.
The visit was attended by several dignitaries including Nilofar Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Sushant Kandwal, Director, Khelo India; Nazhul Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council; and Kuldeep Handoo, Arjuna Awardee.
Smt. Khadse’s visit reflects the government’s broader Khelo Bharat Niti-2025 vision to nurture young athletes, expand infrastructure, and create pathways for India’s emergence as a global sports powerhouse.
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