Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse concluded a two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir with the inauguration of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 at Dal Lake and a review of grassroots talent identification initiatives in athletics and volleyball. The visit underscored the government’s focus under the Khelo Bharat Niti-2025 on building a strong sports pipeline from the grassroots to the international stage.
At the University of Kashmir, Khadse oversaw a two-day talent identification camp that drew over 150 participants from districts including Pulwama, Budgam and Ganderbal. Athletes underwent tests such as 20m and 30m sprints, standing vertical jump, medicine ball throw and the Cooper Test. Those shortlisted will be inducted into Sports Authority of India schemes, including the National Centre of Excellence and SAI Training Centres. She told the young athletes that the government’s aim is to ensure a clear pathway from local training grounds to podium finishes, describing them as the future champions of India.
The Minister also inaugurated the preliminary selection trials for the 20th Asian Games 2026 Wushu Sanda events at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre. More than 200 athletes are competing across seven weight categories, with eight from each category to be shortlisted for ranking tournaments that will determine the final Asian Games squad. She also felicitated nine medalists from the recent 12th Asian Junior Wushu Championships, highlighting the government’s commitment to recognising and supporting young achievers.
The events were attended by senior officials and sports administrators, including Nilofar Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir; Sushant Kandwal, Director, Khelo India; Nazhul Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council; Suhail Ahmad, CEO, Wushu Federation; Anand Jain, ADGP Armed Police; and Arjuna Awardee Kuldeep Handoo. Khadse said the initiatives in Kashmir reflect a broader national strategy to combine infrastructure development, talent scouting and transparent selection processes to strengthen India’s presence in global sports.
