Youngsters building sports as career
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR Aug 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a remarkable transformation in sports infrastructure over the last five years.
Speaking at the Bijbehara Premier League match in Anantnag, the LG said it has paved the way for a vibrant sports ecosystem that is inspiring lakhs of youth to actively participate in games at various levels.
Sinha said that the world-class sports facilities have been developed across the Union Territory, and the Government is committed to further expanding them.
“Five years ago, just 2.5 lakh youth were taking part in sports activities in J&K. Today, that number has touched 40 lakh. This is not just a statistic – it reflects the energy, talent, and determination of our youth,” he said.
Sinha said that the youngsters are not playing the sports just for a passion but also building professional careers in it.
He said that the sports activities are now being conducted in every corner of Jammu and Kashmir, including national-level tournaments.
The LG credited PM Modi for supporting the upgradation of J&K’s sports infrastructure under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and highlighted the implementation of a new sports policy.
“The policy ensures that youth are selected for the sports department and sports council purely on the basis of merit. In order to achieve a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir and to fulfil all your dreams, the Government has been working with full dedication. I believe your participation and courage will continue to take J&K towards a more peaceful environment,” he said.
The LG also congratulated the people of J&K, especially Anantnag, for the peaceful conduct of this year’s Amarnath Yatra, during which over 4.14 lakh pilgrims visited the holy cave.
“These yatris will act as peaceful ambassadors of Kashmir, spreading the message of harmony and further boosting tourism,” he added. He said that after a gap of 36 years, Legends Cricket League matches were held in J&K last year, signalling the revival of international cricket in the region.
“I have seen things which once looked impossible in J&K. Sports, especially cricket and volleyball, send a positive message among people and strengthen the bond of unity,” he added. He further said Government is committed to tap the untapped tourism potential of Kashmir so as to attract more and more tourists towards Kashmir.
Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, IT, Youth Services & Sports and ARI & Trainings; Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, MLA Srigufwara – Bijbehara; Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare; Javid Iqbal Matoo, DIG South Kashmir; Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag; Amritpal Singh, SSP Anantnag; Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council; Parvez Rasool, International Cricketer; senior officials of civil and police administration, prominent sports personalities and youth in large number were present.
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