On Sunday, July 14, 2024, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, inaugurated the Blue Cubs Development Centre for the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Football Academy in Srinagar.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary of Youth Services and Sports, J&K; Mr. Subash Chander Chhibber, Director of Youth Services and Sports, J&K; and Ms. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council. Senior officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) were also in attendance.
During the event, the Minister interacted with the U13 children participating in the Blue Cubs programme. Dr. Mandaviya expressed his delight at the extensive efforts being made to nurture young talent through such academies.
AIFF President, Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, highlighted the unique advantages of having a Blue Cubs Development Centre in Kashmir, noting its high altitude and cooler climate. “Having one of the nearly 30 Blue Cubs Development Centres here in Kashmir will certainly help the boys train and progress to international levels. The AIFF is honoured to have the Blue Cubs Development Centre inaugurated by the Hon’ble Sports Minister of India, and we will continue to work towards grassroots development in all states,” he said.
Dr. Mandaviya engaged in extensive discussions with JKFA representatives about the development of football in the region, assuring them of full support for their efforts to enhance football infrastructure in the Union Territory.
Following the inauguration, the Minister met with members of the India U17 Men’s National Team, including players, coaches, and support staff, who are currently holding their preparatory camp in Srinagar ahead of the SAFF U17 Championship in Thimphu, Bhutan, scheduled for September 18 to 28.
