Sports infrastructure witnessed remarkable transformation in J&K: Lt Guv Sinha
Says J&K UT has made its rightful place in Indian sporting landscape
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a remarkable transformation in sports infrastructure over the last five years, paving the way for a vibrant sports ecosystem that is inspiring lakhs of youth to actively participate in games at various levels.
Speaking during the Bijbehara Premier League match in Anantnag , the LG said that 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,” Sinha said.
He noted that sports activities are now being conducted in every corner of Jammu and Kashmir, including national-level tournaments, with young players not only pursuing games as a passion but also as a professional career path.
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.
The Lieutenant Governor interacted with the players and officials and congratulated the organisers of the Bijbehara Premier League.
“Bijbehara Premier League is widely considered as the most prestigious cricket tournament in J&K UT which also serves as a platform to showcase talent and earn their place at national and international level,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the Bijbehara Premier League is far more than an ambitious competition for the youth of Anantnag and its neighbouring districts. This tournament has also made a major contribution to improving the quality of sports throughout Jammu and Kashmir, he added.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, J&K UT has made its rightful place in the Indian sporting landscape.
“In the past five years, we have invested in creating modern sports infrastructure, cultivate suitable environment for players and focussed on strong strategy and effective execution at grass roots level to foster sports culture,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the remarkable progress in J&K’s sports sector is due to hard work and unwavering determination of our sportspersons, dedicated coaches and tireless efforts of officials of Sports Council.
“J&K UT since 2020 had adopted a player-centered approach to develop players and maximise their ability. It has also been ensured that children and youth are provided with ample opportunities to participate in sports activities. This widespread reach reflects our commitment to inclusive sports development across the entire Union Territory,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the Bijbehara Premier League for its emergence as a powerful anti-drug movement, successfully channelizing the energy of youth by connecting them with sports.
The Lieutenant Governor also congratulated the people of Anantnag and South Kashmir for the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath ji Yatra.
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.
