J&K Targets IPL Ambitions as CM Omar Abdullah Unveils Roadmap to Reclaim Kashmir’s Golfing Prestige
The Chief Minister described golf tourism as a central pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s broader tourism strategy, noting that the Union Territory’s four major courses—Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Jammu’s Sidra—already offer world-class facilities. He added that plans are underway to upgrade another course in the Jammu region to further expand the scenic Himalayan region’s golfing circuit
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday outlined an ambitious roadmap to restore Kashmir’s stature as one of India’s premier golfing destinations, announcing a series of long-term initiatives aimed at strengthening golf tourism, institutionalising professional tournaments, and nurturing homegrown talent.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the J&K Open 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) overlooking Srinagar’s famed Dal Lake, Abdullah said the government intends to make the DP World PGTI tournament a permanent annual fixture and establish a dedicated golf academy to groom young players.
The Chief Minister described golf tourism as a central pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s broader tourism strategy, noting that the Union Territory’s four major courses—Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Jammu’s Sidra—already offer world-class facilities. He added that plans are underway to upgrade another course in the Jammu region to further expand the scenic Himalayan region’s golfing circuit.
Abdullah said Kashmir is beginning to witness the exact trend the government has been working toward- travellers flying in specifically for long golf weekends. Without any active promotion, he said, visitors are now arriving on Fridays, spending two or three days on the greens, and flying back on Sunday evening or Monday morning. The ongoing DP World PGTI event, he stressed, marks Kashmir’s re-entry into India’s professional golf calendar after a long hiatus.
Calling the tournament a “milestone” for RSGC and the Valley, Abdullah highlighted the participation of more than 100 professional golfers, including over 10 international entries. His government, he said, aims to increase prize money, expand participation, and ensure the tournament remains on the national schedule for at least the next five years.
Addressing concerns about the limited number of golfers emerging from Kashmir compared to cricketers and footballers, Abdullah acknowledged that local players need more structured opportunities. He said Pro-Am events, where amateurs play alongside professionals, help bridge this gap, but a dedicated golf academy is essential to introduce children to the sport early and prepare them for national representation.
The Chief Minister Abdullah also pointed to recent sporting achievements from the Valley—such as cricketer Aqib Nabi’s selection for India’s Test squad against Sri Lanka and a notable mixed martial arts victory—as evidence of the region’s growing talent pool. What young athletes lack, he said, is exposure, and more tournaments across disciplines will help create it.
Responding to a question on whether the abrogation of Article 370 had revived golf tourism, Abdullah dismissed the notion, noting that Kashmir hosted major tournaments long before 2014. Before militancy, he said, Gulmarg was considered an essential summer stop for golfers across India.
On criticism that government-run golf courses are expensive and financially unviable, Abdullah argued that they must be viewed as tourism infrastructure rather than standalone commercial enterprises. Golfers, he said, contribute significantly to the local economy by staying in houseboats, riding shikaras, purchasing handicrafts and hiring taxis—making the sport a catalyst for broader economic activity.
Turning to cricket, Abdullah said J&K’s strong Ranji Trophy performances and subsequent IPL selections have transformed perceptions about the region’s sporting potential. However, he acknowledged that the absence of international-standard cricket stadiums remains a major obstacle. The BCCI’s proposal to build two such stadiums—one in Jammu and one in the Valley—has stalled, but Abdullah said his government is committed to reviving the plan so J&K can eventually host IPL and international matches.
Towards the end of the interaction, Abdullah declined to engage in political questions at a sporting event. However, when asked about the recent civilian killings in south Kashmir, he condemned the violence unequivocally, calling the deaths “deeply unfortunate” and stressing that no religion sanctions the killing of innocents. He said security agencies must ensure such attacks do not recur.
