Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that Jammu and Kashmir has seen a remarkable transformation in sports infrastructure over the past five years, creating a vibrant sports ecosystem that is motivating lakhs of youth to actively participate in games at various levels.
Speaking during the Bijbehara Premier League match in Anantnag, the LG, according to news agencies, stated that world-class sports facilities have been developed across the Union Territory and the government remains committed to further expanding them.
“Five years ago, only 2.5 lakh youth were participating in sports activities in J&K. Today, that number has grown to 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 across every corner of Jammu and Kashmir, including national-level tournaments, with young players pursuing games not only as a passion but also as a professional career path.
The LG credited Prime Minister Narendra 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 merit. To achieve a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir and help fulfill your dreams, the government has been working with full dedication. I believe your participation and courage will continue to lead J&K towards a more peaceful environment,” he said.
The LG also congratulated the people of J&K, particularly those in Anantnag, for the peaceful conduct of this year’s Amarnath Yatra, which saw over 4.14 lakh pilgrims visit the holy cave.
“These yatris will act as peaceful ambassadors of Kashmir, spreading the message of harmony and further boosting tourism,” he added.
He mentioned that after a gap of 36 years, Legends Cricket League matches were held in J&K last year, signaling the revival of international cricket in the region.
“I have seen achievements in J&K that once seemed impossible. Sports, especially cricket and volleyball, send a positive message among people and strengthen the bond of unity,” he said.
He further stated that the government is committed to tapping the untapped tourism potential of Kashmir to attract more visitors to the region. (Agencies)
