Kathua, May 11,2026- The indoor stadium at Billawar in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district is emerging as a major sports hub for local youth, with students and coaches praising the facility for introducing modern sports opportunities and encouraging youngsters to stay away from drugs and other harmful activities.
Young athletes training at the stadium said the facility has opened new avenues for sports such as judo, fencing and badminton in the region, where awareness about such disciplines was limited earlier.
A student learning judo at the stadium said she has been training there for the last four years and regularly attends coaching sessions.
“I play Judo here and come to the stadium every day. We are getting good coaching facilities here. Earlier, we did not even know what Judo was, but after this stadium was built, we got exposure to sports like Judo, fencing and badminton,” the student said while thanking the government for establishing the facility in Billawar.
Another student undergoing fencing training at the indoor stadium said children enjoy learning and participating in sports activities at the centre.
“We learn fencing here and really enjoy playing. Some students have already been selected for higher-level competitions, while those who were not selected are also continuing their training,” the student said.
Yashika Jamwal, who serves as a Judo coach under the Khelo India initiative, said the stadium has positively transformed the sporting culture in the area.
“I currently train around 20 students. Due to examinations, attendance has slightly reduced, but we are continuously working hard to prepare students for national-level competitions. Three to four of my students have already been selected and are participating at the national level,” she said.
Jamwal added that the opening of the indoor sports centre in a remote area like Billawar has played an important role in engaging youth in constructive activities.
“The government has done a commendable job by establishing this centre here. Earlier, some children were drifting towards drugs and other wrong activities, but now they are actively participating in sports,” she said.
Locals believe the stadium has become a symbol of positive change in the region by providing professional coaching, better infrastructure and opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talent at higher levels.
The initiative is also being seen as part of broader efforts under the Khelo India programme to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure and nurture sporting talent in rural and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
