Cricket is the most Popular Sport In Jammu and Kashmir, which is run by JKCA.
When we talk about sports in Jammu and Kashmir, we mostly think of sports. The sports are just a part of the sporting culture of this state. Apart from different categories of adventure sports, Jammu and Kashmir also has a national cricket and a football team. Here are the most popular sports in Jammu and Kashmir as below:
Article Highlights:
1. Cricket
2. Soccer
3. Hockey
4. Golf
5. Rugby
Besides, the state has the highest number of golf courses in the world and the largest number of fishing beats in the country. The Great Tibetan Marathon that takes place every year at an altitude of 3500 meters, also draws considerable interest from sports facilities across the world. Let us first know about the sports council of this state who contributes to the development and promotion of sports in J&K.
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Jammu and Kashmir has 18 stadiums and 23 training centres spread across the state. Moreover, the Council maintains 43 playing fields and three indoor sports complexes.
Let’s check out the 5 most popular sports in J&K?
1) Cricket:
Just as in anywhere else in India, cricket is one of the favourite sports in Jammu in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, a member of Board of Control of Cricket in India, fields teams in different domestic tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy Interstate Tournament and Duleep Trophy Tournament etc. Up to 2012-2013, the team has played 242 matches.
The J&K cricket team has two home venues, Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar and Maulana Azad Memorial Stadium in Jammu. Most cricket tournaments in Jammu and Kashmir were initially held in these stadiums.
However, the good news is that the government now plans to restore the MAM Stadium and a budget of rupees one hundred crores has been fixed for it. There is also a proposal to build an international cricket stadium at Bajalta in Jammu.
2) Football:
Football is the 2nd most popular sport in Jammu and Kashmir. J&K Football Association, which is a member of the All India Football Federation, is responsible for developing the sports in the state. It controls the football clubs in the state and organises different state-level tournaments.
At present, there are around 500 football clubs in the state, which take part in different national and state-level tournaments. The Jammu and Kashmir Football Team regularly takes part in the Sontosh Trophy Tournament.
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Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar is a popular venue for most football tournaments in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the ground is also used for holding other sporting activities.That is why an exclusive football ground with a capacity of 15000 spectators has been constructed in the city.
3) Hockey:
Hockey is 3rd most popular game in Jammu and Kashmir. J&K Hockey Team takes part in different all-India tournaments. Ice hockey, too is a popular sport in the state, especially in the Ladakh region.
To promote this game, the Ice Hockey Association of Jammu and Kashmir organises yearly tournaments in Leh. Enthusiasts from all over India often come here to experience this annual event.
4) Golf:
Golf is the fourth most popular sport in J&K. Among them, the Kashmir Golf Club and the Royal Spring Golf Course are located in Srinagar. Besides, there are the Gulmarg Golf Club, Pahalgam Golf Club and Sanasar Golf Club.
Incidentally, the thirteen-hole golf course in Gulmarg is the highest in the world. All these clubs offer golfing equipment at a reasonable rate. One can also avail a temporary membership at these clubs.
5) Rugby:
Rugby is another popular sport in Jammu and Kashmir. Indeed, the state has several exceptionally brilliant rugby players. Tournaments are held both at the state and district levels to provide a further boost to this sport. Kabbadi and kho-kho too are played with enthusiasm in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tournaments in these fields are not only organised at district and state levels, but teams are also sent to compete in the national level competitions. Besides, regular tournaments in table tennis, basketball, baseball, etc., are held both at the district and state levels in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kabaddi and Boxing are the other two honourable mentions for the list of the top 10 most popular sports in India. Feel free to tell us about your favourite sport in the comments below.
Which one is your favourite game? Let us know! Give us feedback!
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