Opinion | Sports Potential in Border Areas of Kashmir

Kashmir valley has a huge potential to host Winter Sports Olympics but unfortunately we still lag behind in creating such infrastructure.

To promote tourism in border areas of Kashmir government should conduct adventure sports activities in summers as well during winter period. Just few months before the Indian Army’s Eastern Command has announced a series of adventure sports activities on Indo-China border areas. The adventure activities were planned over 78 days. Cycling, trekking and rafting etc adventure games were conducted Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. On similar pattern government should conduct such activities in border areas of Kashmir on a massive scale.
Winter Olympic Games is one of the Major international multi-sport event conducted during snow season. After every four years winter Olympics are taking place. Sports athletes from India also participate in these events bring laurels. Kashmir valley has a huge potential to host Winter Sports Olympics but unfortunately we still lag behind in creating such infrastructure. Need of the hour is to prepare infrastructure in the valley required for winter Olympics in future. Kashmir valley is bears the qualities where these sports like Bobsleigh, Curling, Ice Hockey, Skiing etc can be conducted.
Among the total population of Jammu and Kashmir 69 per cent comprises the youth. Considering this fact, it is very important that young population is taken care of and every effort should be put in operation to make a reach out to the young population of Jammu and Kashmir. Their every legitimate demand should be met with out any further delay. Kashmir region which is now going through a peaceful atmosphere after abrogation of special status should not fall into the hands of those having nefarious design. Efforts of the government to restore peace and order are appreciable but due care needs to be taken to make the peace a permanent feature.
In Kashmir, the rate of unemployed youth is growing and they are facing multiple issues due to which they fall into trap of enemies of peace. Not also this, but drug abuse among the youth is alarming. It is not possible for the government to provide a government job to every individual but it is possible definitely that government can guide the youth and provide them assistance.
In sports youth of Jammu and Kashmir has showed their worth. This is because of the efforts of the government that youth are inclined towards different kinds of sports. Sport promote peace, tolerance, and understanding. It brings us together across boundaries and cultures. This sports can provide a chance to the youth of Kashmir to interaction and with the other fellow citizens of the country and build an understanding.
Sports are becoming a part of peace building worldwide. In Kashmir Sports can bring people together towards a common aim. Building relationships between different groups of the community conflict an be transformed. “In the field of peacebuilding, sports are defined broadly as activities that foster physical fitness, inclusion and mental health, including: free play, recreation, organized sports, casual sports, competitive sports, and indigenous sports or games.” (UN, 2003).
There is no doubt that in Kashmir youth carry tendency to associate themselves with radical actions. The average age of youth who indulged in radical activities has been found below 30. Government made serious efforts to curb this tendency but still a lot needs to be done to control the menace. The radical tendencies can be controlled with the help of sports . Youth needs to be introduced to other sports activities also. Kashmir has a vast adventure sports tourism potential. Government should immediately introduce adventure sports activities in all the newly introduced tourist destination.
Bangus valley in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district has a huge potential to provide diverse adventure sports to the youth of Kashmir during winters as well in summers. It is important that sports activities should not stop during winters in Kashmir but must be continued. Similarly Gurez Valley can be a place for such activities. Recently government of India has brought several border areas on tourism map like Keran, Machil, Tangdhar and other place. These places can act as adventure sports areas and thus can contribute towards peace building.
Tourist place of Kashmir are suitable for White Water Rafting. Our rivers can be used for Wild Water Rafting, Parasailing, Swimming, angling, Canoeing.
In Land Adventure Sports these places are perfect for Mountaineering, Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowboarding Trekking. gee Jumps, Mountain Cycling, Jeep Safaris and Cave Exploration.These adventure activities can be conducted during winters and summers. Kashmir is not only about natural beauty but it has unparalleled potential to be the best adventure sports destination which itself can bring transformation among its young population if sports is taken as a priority.

(Writer is associated with Kashmir Writers Association (KWA) and can be reached on jkwritersassociation@gmail.com)