KIRTI DHAR In alignment with the Centre Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting sports, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir continues to spare no effort in elevating the standards of sports across the Union Territory. The transformation unfolding within the sports landscape of J&K is nothing short of remarkable. From developing world-class infrastructure and implementing progressive sports policies to ensuring transparent selection processes and appointing capable, merit-based officers and officials, the administration has set a new benchmark in competence and integrity. Under the dynamic leadership, particularly with four exemplary women steering the Youth Services and Sports Department, sports governance in Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a vibrant renaissance-one rooted in vision, inclusivity, and excellence. Led by an exceptional administrator, Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports, J&K, the team is strengthened by a charismatic quartet– Anuradha Gupta serves as Director General of Youth Services and Sports; Jyoti Devi Salathia holds the position of Special Secretary, YS & Sports; and Vinakshi Koul is the Joint Director of YS&S, Jammu. Together, they work with cohesion and energy to deliver outstanding results. The recent postings of the Commissioner Secretary and the Director General in the Department of Youth Services and Sports, according to reliable sources, have infused a renewed sense of purpose and direction within the organization. These strategic postings are being widely viewed as pivotal steps toward strengthening institutional frameworks, streamlining administrative processes, and fostering a culture of efficiency and accountability. With visionary leadership at the helm, the department is now better positioned to implement comprehensive programs aimed at promoting youth empowerment, encouraging sports excellence, and ensuring holistic development across all levels. Sources within the Central Secretariat of the Department have revealed that the long-standing issue of determining seniority among departmental employees, including Physical Education Lecturers, Zonal Physical Education Officers, Physical Education Masters, and Teachers, is finally nearing resolution. This long-pending demand, which has been a matter of concern for years, has gained unprecedented momentum under the visionary leadership of the dynamic duo-the Commissioner Secretary and the Director General of the Youth Services and Sports Department. In a significant stride toward administrative reform, the department has also successfully completed the formulation of its own set of service rules, a process that had been under consideration for over a decade. With the groundwork now complete, the implementation of these long-anticipated rules is expected to be initiated shortly, marking a new chapter of transparency, efficiency, and fairness in departmental governance. Under the energetic duo, the 69th National School Games-2025 have set a remarkable benchmark in the realm of youth sports. With nearly 4,000 athletes participating, the event is being hosted in an exemplary manner across the twin divisions of the Union Territory, showcasing efficiency, enthusiasm, and exceptional organization. Moreover, a significant transformation is evident in the execution and preparation of youth development initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat Challenge, Youth Parliament, and National Youth Festival. These programmes reflect a renewed commitment to nurturing young talent, fostering leadership, and promoting holistic national development. These women sports administrators stand as a remarkable embodiment of vision in action-delivering every initiative with cohesion, clarity, and an unmistakable sense of purpose and charisma. In essence, the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YS&S) and the J&K Sports Council have become exemplary symbols of women’s empowerment, with both organizations being led by dedicated women officers who work tirelessly to ensure their continued growth and success. These two dynamic administrators exemplify leadership with purpose. Through their relentless dedication and far-reaching vision, they continue to nurture a thriving sporting ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir-one that empowers talent, encourages participation, and inspires excellence. Their efforts are shaping an environment where remarkable athletes, especially women sportspersons like Sheetal Devi, Bilquis Mir, Shreya Gupta, and Muskan Rana continue to rise, bringing immense pride to the region and securing its place on the global sports map. Moreover, among the government’s many progressive initiatives, the implementation of the J&K Sports Policy 2022 stands out as a landmark achievement-an enduring testament to the vision and commitment of Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council. Equally noteworthy is the ongoing formulation of new operational rules for the Department of Youth Services and Sports, being steered with clarity and foresight by Anuradha Gupta, Director General, YS&S.
