Srinagar – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called for the strengthening of the grassroots sports ecosystem across the Union Territory, emphasizing the need for institutions, coaches, parents, and corporate entities to invest in athletes from an early stage, even before medal achievements.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Sinha made these remarks on Saturday while addressing a National Sports Day event. He paid a solemn tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, highlighting his stature as a symbol of India’s national identity through his remarkable international sporting career.
“I believe that in that era, Major Dhyan Chand himself became an embodiment of India’s identity, and his stick became a symbol of his unwavering willpower, his dedication on the sporting field and his discipline,” Sinha stated, reflecting on the iconic athlete’s contributions.
The Lieutenant Governor underscored the role of sports as a potent instrument for character development and nation-building, asserting that sporting success transcends the accumulation of medals. He described sport as life’s most honest teacher, offering direct feedback on an individual’s current standing and guiding them towards future improvement. “There is no shortcut on the sporting field. There is no place for excuses in hockey either. There is only hard work, opportunity and a test of your character,” he added.
Sinha expressed his optimism regarding the potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s young athletes, viewing them as representatives of the region’s future and, by extension, India’s future. “Today, when I look at the young athletes of Jammu and Kashmir, I see India’s bright future in them,” he remarked, extending congratulations to the athletes who were honored at the event.
Advocating for enhanced access to professional training, Sinha stressed that athletes from remote towns and rural areas should have access to facilities that are on par with those available in major centres like Jammu and Srinagar. “We want to see a farmer’s child in Reasi or Shopian receive the same scientific and technical training in different sports disciplines that a player practising at a centre of excellence in Srinagar or Jammu receives,” he elaborated.
Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor called for the elevation of sports science and sports management as recognized academic disciplines. He highlighted the importance of developing these fields within universities and institutions to cultivate a cadre of skilled trainers, sports managers, physiotherapists, and technical experts. “We need to consider how sports science and sports management can emerge as subjects in universities and institutions, and how our institutions can produce trainers, sports managers, physiotherapists and technical experts in sports,” he said.
Sinha articulated a vision for Jammu and Kashmir to not only participate in international sporting competitions but also to emerge as a capable host for such events. “We want to see a Jammu and Kashmir that does not merely participate in international games, but is itself capable of hosting international games and is ready to welcome the entire world,” he stated, expressing confidence that the region’s athletes would achieve global recognition within the next two years.
He emphasized that the responsibility for sports development should extend beyond governmental efforts, urging for greater private-sector involvement. “The future is not built only by the efforts of governments. The future is built by those who refuse to give up,” Sinha asserted.
Addressing the young athletes directly, Sinha encouraged them to maintain discipline and perseverance, reinforcing the message, “Believe in yourself. The country will certainly believe in you.” He also acknowledged the crucial contributions of individuals working behind the scenes, including coaches, support staff, and parents, describing them as the essential creators behind every achievement. “Our coaches, support staff and parents are the unique creators behind every medal that Jammu and Kashmir is winning today,” he noted.
Sinha drew a connection between sporting prowess and national development, suggesting that a country’s progress should be measured by more than just economic indicators. “Development is not measured only by GDP. It is also measured by the energy of our youth, and by the pride with which the Indian tricolour flies on the world’s biggest sporting stages,” he explained. He specifically urged corporate houses operating within Jammu and Kashmir to proactively support promising athletes, advising them to invest in talent identification and nurturing in villages and towns before they achieve medal-winning success. “Do not wait until an athlete wins a medal to provide support. Rather, help identify and nurture the talent that is being recognised before the medal is won, in our villages, small towns and streets,” he concluded.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
