On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said in a press conference held in Srinagar that the UT has begun realising the true sports potential of J&K and has made a new beginning with a sports culture development plan that includes adequate infrastructure, introducing sports as an integral part of the educational curriculum, access to experts and outstanding coaching, and providing opportunities for talents.
On the occasion of UT’s founding, he made the following remarks after kicking off the 67th National School Games in football for boys ages 19 and under and boys ages 17 and under at Bakshi Stadium.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, the Lt. Governor spoke about the efforts of the UT Administration, led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to develop a healthy sports environment and bring forth Jammu and Kashmir’s full sporting potential.
One thousand fifteen thousand schoolchildren from the Kashmir Division and two thousand athletes from around the country are taking part in this massive athletic event.
The Lieutenant Governor made the announcement, saying that the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and the Department of Youth Services and Sports in J&K worked together to put on the famous athletic event.
He said that the event’s participation by 28 states, 8 Union Territories, and various bodies recognised by the Sports and Games Federation of India exemplifies the country’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in sports.
The tricolour is now flying at the peak of its power in the world of international sports. The Lt. Governor noted that many top athletes have emerged from very tiny communities and gone on to win worldwide honours for their excellent play.
He said that the nation was seeing a fresh, vibrant sports culture and a renaissance in sports.
“Our recent successes at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games have kindled high hopes for further transformation to achieve new heights in the Olympics with the remarkable performances of our athletes, he continued.
The Lt. Governor further noted that Kishtwar, J&K’s young archer, Sheetal Devi, had made new history in the Asian Para Games by taking home three golds.
We all have an obligation to seek out gifted people like her and pave the way for their future success, he added.
The Lt. Governor gave the athletes an oath to play by the rules and compete fairly.
On this special occasion, the athletes, youngsters, and officials gathered at Bakshi Stadium and all took the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ oath.
Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Commissioner/Secretary GAD Sanjeev Verma, Secretary of Youth Services and Sports Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, officers of SGFI, senior officers of the Civil and Police Administration, team managers, coaches, prominent sports personalities, and a large number of young people were all present.
