In a speech during the Bijbehara Premier League match in Anantnag, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that Jammu and Kashmir’s sports ecosystem has undergone a significant transformation over the last five years. He stated that this change, which includes the development of world-class sports facilities, has inspired millions of young people to participate in various sports.
Sinha shared some key statistics, noting that sports participation has surged from 2.5 lakh to 40 lakh youth in the past five years. He credited this increase to the government’s commitment to expanding sports facilities and providing a platform for national-level tournaments. The LG said that sports have become a viable professional career path for many young players, not just a hobby.
LG Sinha also highlighted the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Development Package (PMDP) in upgrading the region’s sports infrastructure and the implementation of a new sports policy. This policy, he said, ensures that athletes are selected for the sports department and sports council based on merit alone. He emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader dedication to creating a drug-free and more peaceful Jammu and Kashmir.
The LG also congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those in Anantnag, for the peaceful Amarnath Yatra, which saw over 4.14 lakh pilgrims. He expressed his belief that these pilgrims would become “peaceful ambassadors” for Kashmir, promoting harmony and boosting tourism.
To illustrate the region’s progress, Sinha pointed to the return of the Legends Cricket League after 36 years, which he said signaled the revival of international cricket in the area. He concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to developing Kashmir’s untapped tourism potential to attract more visitors.
