Srinagar, Oct 19 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani on Monday announced a Rs 2 crore plan for rebuilding the clubhouse at Kashmir Golf Course (KGC) and proposed establishing a golf academy to train young players, as the prestigious club held elections to its management after a gap of 14 years.

Speaking on the sidelines of the elections, Wani described Kashmir Golf Course as a historic institution with a distinguished place in the region's golfing heritage and said the return of elected management would help restore its functioning and address longstanding infrastructure deficiencies.

"After 14 years, elections are being held. It is a welcome development because the club members will now manage its affairs. Whatever shortcomings exist will be addressed, and the government will extend all necessary support for its upgradation," he said.

Wani said a Rs 2 crore plan had been prepared for reconstruction of the clubhouse, while other infrastructure requirements would also be taken up as part of efforts to revive the facility.

He expressed confidence that the club's revival could be completed within six months.

Highlighting the need to encourage younger generations to take up golf, Wani said the government intended to establish a dedicated golf academy where children could receive professional coaching and prepare for competitive tournaments.

He said golf offered considerable opportunities as a professional sport, with major tournaments attracting leading players and offering substantial prize money.

"Our mission is to encourage children to take up golf, provide them with proper training and enable them to compete at the professional level," he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Referring to the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) tournament held in Jammu and Kashmir this year, Wani said the event marked an important step towards promoting professional golf in the Union Territory.

The Advisor also outlined the government's broader plans to strengthen sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, saying facilities would be developed not only at district headquarters but also at the block level.

He said the objective was to provide young athletes with access to training facilities closer to their homes and create opportunities for participation in competitive sports.

Turning to winter sports, Wani said the government was working towards introducing snow-making machines in Gulmarg to extend the skiing season.

"We are making efforts to have snow-making machines this year so that the season can begin earlier and continue for a longer period," he said.

Wani said existing ski lifts had been upgraded and additional lifts were being considered to accommodate more skiers and strengthen Gulmarg's position as a major winter sports destination.

He said the development of skiing infrastructure would also help attract more tourists to Gulmarg, which has emerged as a prominent destination for winter tourism.

Referring to other sporting initiatives, Wani said the government was expanding the Kashmir Marathon, promoting winter games and working to increase participation in organised sporting events.

He said greater investment in infrastructure and professional training would help young people pursue sports as a career while strengthening Jammu and Kashmir's position as a destination for major sporting competitions. (KNS)