Srinagar,June 25,2026- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya for approving the establishment of the first National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a landmark step towards strengthening the Union Territory’s sports ecosystem.
The approval of the National Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone in the development of sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and is expected to provide world-class training facilities, advanced coaching support, and enhanced opportunities for aspiring athletes from the region.
In a statement, the Lieutenant Governor thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued support towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir and acknowledged the efforts of Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in facilitating the approval of the prestigious institution.
LG Manoj Sinha said the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence reflects the Government of India’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and creating an enabling environment for young athletes in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The approval of the first National Centre of Excellence in Jammu and Kashmir is a historic achievement for the Union Territory. It will provide a major boost to sports development and help talented athletes realize their full potential through access to world-class facilities and professional training,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed remarkable growth in sports infrastructure and youth engagement over the past few years. He highlighted that several initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have transformed the sporting landscape of the Union Territory.
According to officials, the National Centre of Excellence will serve as a premier training institution aimed at identifying, nurturing, and developing sporting talent across multiple disciplines. The facility is expected to offer advanced coaching programmes, sports science support, modern equipment, and high-performance training environments for athletes.
The centre will also create opportunities for young sportspersons from remote and underserved areas of Jammu and Kashmir to access professional training and compete at national and international levels.
Sports experts believe that the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence will play a crucial role in producing future champions from Jammu and Kashmir and contribute significantly to India’s sporting ambitions.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir possess immense talent and potential. He said the new facility would further strengthen efforts to channelize youth energy into constructive and productive pursuits through sports and fitness activities.
He also expressed confidence that the Centre of Excellence would inspire a new generation of athletes and help elevate the standards of competitive sports in the region.
The approval of the National Centre of Excellence comes amid sustained efforts to expand sports infrastructure, promote grassroots sports, and create greater opportunities for youth participation across Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials stated that the facility would complement existing sports initiatives and contribute to the overall vision of transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a hub for sporting excellence.
The development has been widely welcomed by athletes, coaches, sports associations, and youth organizations, who view it as a major boost to the sports sector in the Union Territory.
