Anantnag, Aug 13, KNT Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a significant transformation in sports infrastructure over the past five years, creating a vibrant ecosystem that is motivating lakhs of young people to actively engage in sports at various levels.
Speaking at a match of the Bijbehara Premier League in Anantnag, the LG said that world-class sports facilities have been established across the Union Territory and that the administration is committed to further expansion. “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 added that sports events are now being held in every corner of the region, including national-level tournaments, with many young players choosing to pursue games not only as a passion but also as a professional career.
The LG credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the upgradation of sports facilities under the Prime Minister’s Development Package and highlighted the introduction of a new sports policy.
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“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.
Congratulating the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially Anantnag, for the peaceful conduct of this year’s Amarnath Yatra, the LG noted that 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.
Highlighting the revival of international cricket in the region, Sinha recalled that after a gap of 36 years, Legends Cricket League matches were held in J&K last year. “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 remarked.
The LG also said that the government is committed to tapping the untapped tourism potential of Kashmir in order to attract more visitors to the region.
