Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council secretary Nuzhat Gull on 28 June expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Centre approved the establishment of Jammu and Kashmir's first-ever National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) — a landmark step that officials say will professionalise athlete development across the Union Territory.

What the NCOE Means for J&K Sports

The NCOE is designed to provide structured, science-backed training and international exposure to athletes from the region. According to Gull, the centre will serve athletes across multiple disciplines — not limited to winter sports — and will anchor a broader vision of making J&K a leading sporting Union Territory in the country.

'Our vision is to make Jammu and Kashmir a leading sporting Union Territory not just in winter sports, but across disciplines. We want structured grassroots programmes, professional coaching, scientific training methods and international exposure,' she said.

Gull further noted that sports must serve a wider social purpose: 'Sports should contribute to social development — generating employment, promoting tourism and providing constructive engagement for youth. Today, our athletes are not just participating; they are competing and winning.'

Nuzhat Gull's Record at the Sports Council

Since taking charge as secretary of the J&K Sports Council in 2021, Gull — the first woman to lead the body — has overseen a significant expansion of the region's sporting ecosystem. Training programmes were extended into districts and rural areas, ensuring athletes from remote communities received structured coaching rather than reserving resources only for elite competitors.

Infrastructure was revitalised across the UT, with stadiums, indoor halls, Khelo India coaching centres, and playing fields made more accessible. Facilities were opened for community use, including extended evening hours to accommodate students and working youth.

J&K on the National Sporting Map

Under Gull's tenure, Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a credible host for high-profile events, including the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, national football camps, and numerous national and international championships across disciplines. Athletes from the UT have secured medals in winter sports, football, martial arts, athletics, cricket, boxing, wrestling, fencing, taekwondo, judo, and others.

This comes amid a broader national push to develop sporting talent in regions historically underserved by elite infrastructure, making the NCOE approval a significant policy signal from the Centre.

What Comes Next

The NCOE is expected to strengthen the support system already built by the Sports Council by adding a dedicated high-performance layer — professional coaching staff, sports science facilities, and pathways to national and international competition. Officials have indicated that the centre will serve athletes across disciplines, with grassroots linkages ensuring a steady pipeline of talent from the district level upward.