13-year-old Yasser’s victory in Uzbekistan boxing championship sharpens focus on J&K’s Khelo India Centers
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Jammu and Kashmir’s young boxer Mohammad Jasir, who won the gold medal in the Asian U-15 Boxing Championship in Uzbekistan On May 16, it focused attention on Indian Khelo centers in the Union Territory (UT).
Yaseer, 13, was an intern at the Khelo India Center in Rajouri. This month, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the youngster after he defeated boxers from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Iran before defeating host nation Uzbekistan 4-1 in the final to win the gold medal in the 58kg category. Mr Abdullah said his success on the international stage reflected the immense sporting talent emanating from the region.
More than 100 Khelo India centers set up across J&K are proving to be a game changer in UT. With local infrastructure and floodlit pitches, it attracts talent from otherwise remote villages in J&K.
“Government of J&K is committed to strengthening the sports ecosystem in UT. Sportspersons are provided with better opportunities, infrastructure and opportunity to excel at national and international platforms,” said Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary to the Commissioner for Youth Services and Sports.
According to official data, 100 Khelo India centers have been sanctioned for J&K since 2021, the highest in the country. Officials said that remote districts were highlighted for the first time with sports infrastructure like Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Shopian, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Anantnag, Kish Bwarda Dowah, Ramantnag, Kishtwarda Dowah districts.
Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh now have 22 indoor sports stadiums along with artificial turf and floodlit grounds where sports activities continue till evening. Nearly 3,300 young people attend free daily training sessions at these centers with access to training, sports kits and modern equipment, officials said.
Athletes from J&K now represent India internationally in Boxing, Wushu, Taekwondo, Pencak Silat and Korfball. Rashid Shafi won gold at the Nordic International Wushu Championship in Sudan, while several others competed internationally in Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Abu Dhabi and China, they added.
“The impact has spread beyond sports. Vulnerable and previously neglected venues with artificial lighting are now hosting football, volleyball and cricket matches late into the evening. Such events are taking place in spaces that were previously associated with stone-pelting and anti-social activities,” another senior official said.
J&K has so far secured 119 gold, 124 silver and 148 bronze medals at the national competitions, with over 1265 athletes participating at the national level.
Published – 23 May 2026 10:20 AM IST