Jammu and Kashmir’s young boxer Mohammad Yasser, who won a gold medal at the Asia U-15 Boxing Championship in Uzbekistan on May 16, has put a tight spotlight on the Khelo India Centres in the Union Territory (UT).

Yaseer, 13, was a trainee at the Khelo India Centre in Rajouri. This month, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah showered praise on the young boy after he defeated boxers from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Iran before overcoming host nation Uzbekistan by 4-1 in the final to clinch the gold medal in the 58-kg category. Mr. Abdullah said his success on the international stage reflected the immense sporting talent emerging from the region.

Over 100 Khelo India Centres set up across J&K are emerging as a game-changer in the UT. Buoyed by grassroots infrastructure and floodlit playfields, it has attracted talent from otherwise remote villages in J&K.

“The J&K Government is committed towards strengthening the sports ecosystem in the UT. Athletes are being provided with better opportunities, infrastructure, and exposure to excel at national and international platforms,” said Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports.

According to official figures, 100 Khelo India Centres, the highest in the country, were sanctioned for J&K since 2021. Officials said far-off districts for the first time were put under the spotlight of sports infra like Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Shopian, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Anantnag, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.

Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh now have 22 Indoor Sports Stadiums along with synthetic turfs and floodlit grounds where sporting activities continue late into the evening. Nearly 3,300 youngsters attend free daily training sessions at these centres with access to coaching, sports kits and modern equipment, officials said.

Athletes from J&K are now representing India internationally in Boxing, Wushu, Taekwondo, Pencak Silat, and Korfball. Rashid Shafi won Gold at the Nordic International Wushu Championship in Sudan, while several others have competed internationally in Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Abu Dhabi and China, they added.

“The impact has extended beyond sports. With floodlit grounds, vulnerable and previously neglected areas are now hosting football, volleyball, and cricket matches late into the evening. Such events are taking place in spaces once associated with stone pelting and anti-social activities,” said another senior official.

So far, J&K has secured 119 gold, 124 silver and 148 bronze medals at national competitions, while over 1,265 athletes have participated at the national level.