Srinagar, Aug 4 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the Union Territory must reclaim its position as one of India’s premier golf destinations, announcing plans to make the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) tournament an annual event, establish a golf academy and strengthen sports infrastructure.
Speaking after inaugurating the J&K Open 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course here, Abdullah said golf tourism forms an important part of the government’s strategy to promote high-value tourism in the Union Territory.
He said the government is focusing on the golf courses at Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sidra in Jammu, while another golf course in the Jammu region is also proposed to be upgraded.
The Chief Minister said Kashmir has already started attracting golfers from different parts of the country for weekend visits, adding that the tournament would help restore the Valley’s place on India’s golfing map.
He said more than 100 professional golfers, including several international participants, are taking part in the event and expressed hope that the tournament would become an annual feature on the national golf calendar.
Abdullah said the government also plans to establish a golf academy to nurture young talent, adding that Pro-Am tournaments provide local amateur golfers an opportunity to compete alongside professional players.
Recalling Kashmir’s golfing legacy, he said the region hosted some of the country’s biggest golf tournaments before the onset of militancy and that Gulmarg was once considered a must-visit destination for golfers during the summer season.
Speaking on sports, the Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir’s strong performances in the Ranji Trophy and the selection of local players in the Indian Premier League have changed perceptions about the Union Territory’s sporting potential.
He, however, said the lack of international-standard cricket infrastructure remains a major challenge and called for expediting the proposed construction of two international-standard stadiums by the BCCI so that Jammu and Kashmir can eventually host IPL and international matches.
Replying to a question on the recent killing of civilians in south Kashmir, Abdullah termed the incident “deeply tragic” and said no religion permits the killing of innocent people. He said those responsible for maintaining security must ensure such attacks do not occur.—(NVI)
