Srinagar, Aug 23 : The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Sports Council believes that the ongoing Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025 being hosted here will help dispel misconceptions that Jammu and Kashmir is unsafe for travel and business.
Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, in an interview to UNI said that the festival is a very big opportunity for Kashmir to showcase itself as a travel destination.
“The first-ever Khelo India water sports festival is a very big event for us; children from various states have come here and they are witnessing our hospitality and culture. They will be be our tourism and cultural ambassadors. Unfortunately, there is a perception that Kashmir is not safe. However, we are determined to bring not only water sports or adventure sports here but various national and international events as well.”
Gull said that the centre has been very supportive of J&K in terms of sports development.
“Thanks to the Prime Minister for starting Khelo India games; the maximum number of Khelo India centres have been given to Jammu & Kashmir. The centre of excellence for rowing has been established here and an SAI centre too has come up here.”
She highlighted that in recent times sports infrastructure of Kashmir has improved significantly.
“We now have athletic turfs in Kashmir University — all due to government’s push. I believe events have an inspirational role: when children see national and international athletes in action, and them being honoured, they themselves are proded to take to sports.”
The official stressed that Kashmiri youth are very keen on sports. “Five years ago, the footprint of the J&K sports council was just 2.5 lakh, now it is 80 lakh. They are earning triple digit medals in the National Games. We are in talks with various federations as well as ministries to bring various tournaments here, be it junior, sub-junior or nationals. We are also conducting cricket leagues here,” said Nuzhat Gul.