Budgam, The Central Sports Minister said on Friday that India will be among the top 10 sports nations in the world by 2036 and will secure a place among the top five countries by 2047.
The minister stated that the central government has streamlined sports administration and developed an organized sports framework in the country.
Also bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games
After inaugurating a 30-bed Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital in Ompora, Budgam district of central Kashmir, he said, “The government is providing opportunities for youth to advance in the field of sports. I am confident that India will be among the top 10 sports nations in the world by 2036 and among the top five countries by 2047.” The minister further added that the government’s continuous efforts have strengthened the sports infrastructure in the country.
“India has secured the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games and has also bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The process of meeting the requirements of the International Olympic Committee is ongoing.” The minister said, “The sports ecosystem in the country is continuously improving. Youth are getting more opportunities through campaigns like the Fit India Movement and the Khelo India program.”
Budgam
Budgam is a district in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India, known for its scenic landscapes and historical significance. The area has a rich cultural heritage, with roots dating back to ancient times, and it features several notable sites such as the Charar-e-Sharief shrine, a revered Sufi shrine that was originally built in the 15th century. Today, Budgam is recognized for its agricultural output and serves as a gateway to the famous tourist destination of Yusmarg.
Ompora
Ompora is a locality in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, situated near the banks of the Jhelum River. Historically, it is known for the Ompora Shiva Temple, an ancient archaeological site featuring a ruined stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which dates back to the early medieval period and reflects the region’s Hindu heritage. The area blends this historical significance with its present-day role as a residential and developing suburban zone.
Kashmir
Kashmir, often called “Paradise on Earth,” is a region in the northern Indian subcontinent known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes, valleys, and lakes. Historically, it was a major center of Buddhism and later saw the spread of Hinduism and Islam, with the Mughal Empire famously incorporating it in the 16th century. In modern times, the region has been a source of territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, leading to ongoing political tensions.
India
India is a vast and diverse country in South Asia, known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient civilization dating back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization. It has been home to major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, and was shaped by various empires, including the Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal dynasties, before becoming a British colony. India gained independence in 1947 and is now the world’s most populous democracy, celebrated for its vibrant traditions, languages, and landmarks such as the Taj Mahal.
Charar-e-Sharief shrine
The Charar-e-Sharief shrine, located in the town of Charar-e-Sharief in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is a revered Muslim shrine dedicated to the 15th-century Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, also known as Nund Rishi. Built in the unique Kashmiri architectural style with a wooden structure and a distinctive spire, the shrine was tragically destroyed by a devastating fire in 1995 but was later reconstructed. It remains an important symbol of Kashmir’s syncretic culture, attracting pilgrims from both Muslim and Hindu communities.
Ompora Shiva Temple
Ompora Shiva Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine located in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to date back to the 8th or 9th century CE, showcasing the region’s rich Kashmiri architectural heritage with its stone carvings and pyramidal roof. Despite periods of neglect and damage over centuries, it remains an important pilgrimage site and a testament to the area’s historical religious diversity.
Jhelum River
The Jhelum River, known in ancient times as the Vitasta, is a major river in the northern Indian subcontinent, flowing through India and Pakistan. It is historically significant as the site of the Battle of the Hydaspes in 326 BCE, where Alexander the Great defeated King Porus. Today, the river is vital for irrigation and hydroelectric power in the Kashmir Valley and Punjab region.
Yusmarg
Yusmarg is a serene hill station in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, known for its lush meadows, dense pine forests, and snow-capped mountains. Historically, it served as a summer retreat for the Dogra rulers and was also frequented by the Mughal emperor Zain-ul-Abidin, who named it “Yusmarg” (meaning “Meadow of Jesus” in Kashmiri) after a local legend that Jesus Christ once visited the area. Today, it remains a popular destination for trekking and picnicking, offering a peaceful escape from busier tourist spots.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a stunning white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, built between 1632 and 1653 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely recognized as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Today, it stands as a symbol of eternal love and is one of the most visited cultural landmarks in the world.
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age society (c. 3300–1300 BCE) that flourished in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. Known for its advanced urban planning, including grid-like cities with sophisticated drainage systems, it remains one of the world’s earliest major civilizations. Its decline remains debated, with theories including climate change or shifting river patterns, and its writing system has yet to be fully deciphered.
Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire was a powerful Islamic empire that ruled most of the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. Founded by Babur in 1526, it is renowned for its cultural and architectural achievements, including the Taj Mahal, and for fostering a period of relative peace and prosperity under rulers like Akbar. The empire gradually declined due to internal conflicts and British colonial expansion, officially ending in 1857 after the Indian Rebellion.
Himalayas
The Himalayas are a vast mountain range in Asia, spanning five countries and containing the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. Formed millions of years ago by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, they have long been a sacred site in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other traditions. The range also serves as a major climatic and ecological boundary, influencing weather patterns and supporting diverse ecosystems.
