Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Launches India Golf Carnival 2026 at Royal Springs Golf Course Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah inaugurated the India Golf Carnival 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) in Srinagar on Sunday, May 10, with over 100 golfers participating in the event. Among them, more than 30 players from Jammu and Kashmir joined the tourism-linked sporting event, marking a significant step in promoting the region’s golfing heritage. The ceremony highlighted the government’s efforts to position Kashmir as a premier destination for golf tourism and to foster local participation in the sport. Speaking at the event, Abdullah emphasized Kashmir’s longstanding connection to golf, noting that the region boasts some of the finest golf courses in the country, including Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. He stated that the tournament aims to encourage local golfers, promote tourism through these facilities, and inspire a new generation of young athletes in the region. “We are trying to use these courses for tourism promotion as well,” he said, underscoring the dual purpose of the event. Abdullah also highlighted the growing interest in golf tourism in Kashmir, pointing out that many golfers from outside the Valley have started visiting Srinagar for long weekends, particularly during holidays in North India. He expressed optimism that such visits would benefit the local tourism sector. “There is hope that it will definitely benefit tourism,” he added, noting the potential for increased visitor numbers and economic activity. The Chief Minister further mentioned plans to expand the initiative, with a group of young golfers expected to visit Pahalgam in the coming weeks.#jammu_and_kashmir #royal_springs_golf_course #chief_minister_omar_abdullah #india_golf_carnival_2026 #gulmarg_golf_course
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Highlights Golf's Role in Tourism and Youth Development Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the potential of the region’s renowned golf courses to boost tourism and cultivate young talent in the state. Speaking at the inauguration of a golf tournament at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar on Sunday, Abdullah highlighted the strategic importance of golf as both a recreational activity and a platform for nurturing local athletes. Abdullah noted that Kashmir’s golf courses, including those in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, are among the finest in India. He praised the natural beauty of these locations, which he described as ideal for attracting both domestic and international golf enthusiasts. “If we talk about the most beautiful golf courses in India, then Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam easily rank among the top,” he stated. The Chief Minister outlined the government’s dual focus on promoting golf tourism and providing training opportunities for local players. He explained that the initiative aims to create a new generation of golfers in Kashmir while leveraging the region’s world-class facilities to draw tourists. “Our focus is to train local golfers and use these world-class courses to attract tourists. Through such tournaments, we want to build a new generation of golfers in Kashmir,” Abdullah said. According to Abdullah, the tournament attracted over 100 participants, including golfers from across India and abroad. He observed a growing trend of North Indian golfers choosing Srinagar for weekend getaways, drawn by the scenic surroundings and high-quality courses. “I hope this growing interest will benefit tourism in the Valley,” he added.#srinagar #gulmarg #jammu_and_kashmir #omar_abdullah #royal_springs_golf_course
