Sports should be kept away from politics: Lt Guv
Inaugurates two-day ‘National Level Sports Conference’
Jammu: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday stressed that sports must be insulated from politics to ensure fair opportunities for talented youth.
Inaugurating the two-day ‘National Level Sports Conference – SRIJAN’ here, he asserted that it will identify the actionable strategies to further strengthen sports systems in the Union Territory.
The conference, organised by Department of Youth Services and Sports, was attended by senior government officials, representatives of Sports Authority of India, eminent sports personalities, experts and a large number of youth.
“Sporting talent can only be nurtured in a peaceful environment. In order to make India a true sporting powerhouse, we must keep sports and politics strictly separate,” he said, addressing the gathering.
“We must move forward and create a system where there is no room for doubt on the selection process,” he said.
Recently, the J&K government initiated an inquiry into the “biased” selection of the UT football squad for Santosh Trophy, as only one player from Jammu was selected.
The selection process triggered a huge row with many political parties alleging discrimination against the Jammu players.
At the event, the L-G also reiterated the administration’s resolve to extend requisite support to the sportspersons and develop state-of-the-art sports infrastructure at the grassroots level.
“The conference will identify the actionable strategies to further strengthen sports systems in J&K, prepare a roadmap for effective implementation of the National Sports Policy 2025 and J&K Sports Policy 2022 and highlight measures for shaping a resilient and future-ready generation,” Sinha said.
He also called for linking sports with education and essential life skills and emphasised giving encouragement to the participation of women and youth in sports.
Sinha also urged sports councils, federations, administrators and officials to chalk out a strategic development plan specifically designed to elevate performance in international competitions.
For youth, sports serve as a real-life school which teaches discipline, values, and leadership through lived experience. It is a strong medium for empowerment, social awareness, and the overall progress of the society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also reiterated the administration’s resolve to extend requisite support to the sportspersons and developing state-of-the-art sports infrastructure at grassroots level.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised on giving special focus and strong encouragement to the participation of women and youth in sports and working towards removing the major barriers that hold them back.
He said the policymakers and industry leaders should create avenues of opportunity through sports.
“Investing in sports means investing in disciplined citizens and a confident future to shape the destiny of the country.
To truly build a sports culture, we must bring sports into the heart of daily community living and connect sports with education and life skills,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K for its unique endeavour aimed at advancing the national sports agenda through sharing of best practices in governance, participation, athlete development and performance excellence.
He urged sports councils, federations, administrators and officials to chalk-out a strategic development plan specifically designed to elevate performance in international competitions.
Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Youth Services and Sports; Padma Shri Dr Karnam Malleswari (Olympian) Vice Chancellor, Delhi Sports University; Shri Ramesh Kumar; Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Anuradha Gupta, Director General Youth Services and Sports, senior officials, representatives of Sports Authority of India; eminent sports personalities; sports-experts and youth in large number attended the inaugural ceremony.
