Parents encouraging children towards sports is the real boost: J-K Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul
Srinagar, May 16
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul on Saturday said the growing participation of children in sports, driven by increased parental support, is a positive shift for the region's sporting culture.
She noted that earlier, parents were less encouraging, but that attitude is now changing significantly.
She emphasised that infrastructure development alone is not enough, and lasting impact will come only when parents fully recognise sports as a way to keep children away from drugs, inactivity, excessive screen use, and negative influences.
Gul also added that preparations are underway to host international events, with discussions already in progress with national federations for upcoming competitions.
'The real boost lies in observing just how many parents are bringing their children here to enrol them in sports... Previously, there was not nearly as much encouragement from parents regarding sports. All our efforts, no matter how many indoor facilities or infrastructure projects we build, will remain futile until every single parent accepts the fundamental truth: that if their child pursues sports, they will be staying away from drugs, lethargy, excessive screen time, and antisocial behaviour... We are currently preparing to host international events. Discussions are already underway with the relevant federations regarding competitions at the national level," Nuzhat Gul told ANI.
Last month, Eight-year-old Gurnoor Kaur became the youngest Taekwondo black belt holder in the entire Jammu and Kashmir region, marking a remarkable milestone in her sporting journey.
Expressing her joy over the achievement, Gurnoor said she is delighted with the recognition and credited her success to years of consistent practice and dedication.
"I am delighted with this achievement... I have been practising for 4 years... I want to become a national player and bring a gold medal for the country," she told ANI.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a mother of two, I agree completely. Earlier it was always about marks and tuitions. Now I see my son playing football in the evening and my daughter doing taekwondo. Bahut achha lagta hai. Gurnoor Kaur at 8yo becoming black belt is inspiring. Parents of J&K please encourage your kids. 👏💪
It's good to see a shift in mindset. In many Western countries, parents drive kids to sports from age 3. India is catching up. But infrastructure has to match—especially in rural J&K. Let's hope the international events materialize and bring visibility to local talent. 🏅
Respect to Nuzhat Gul ji for highlighting the real issue. Main khud dekha hoon ki jab hum bachpan mein khelte the toh parents ko chinta hoti thi ki time waste hai. But now with so many drugs and phone addiction, sports is the only savior. Gurnoor ka achievement toh humare liye garv ki baat hai. 🇮🇳
This is a universal truth—parental encouragement changes everything. I coach kids here in the UK and we see the same pattern. When parents support, children thrive. But I also hope the J&K council focuses on providing safe spaces for girls' sports too. A balanced approach will benefit everyone. 🌟
Bahut sahi baat kahi hai. But I also think schools need to play
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