SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the two-day National Level Sports Conference – SRIJAN, organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports in Jammu, aimed at strengthening the sports ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
The conference seeks to identify actionable strategies to reinforce sports systems in the Union Territory, prepare a roadmap for the effective implementation of the National Sports Policy 2025 and JK Sports Policy 2022, and outline measures for building a resilient and future-ready generation.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised the need to integrate sports with education and essential life skills, stating that sports, when embedded in the education curriculum, can contribute significantly to the holistic development of youth.
“Sports is a powerful force that shapes individuals, unites communities and plays a vital role in nation-building,” he said, adding that sports impart discipline, values and leadership through real-life experience and serve as an effective medium for empowerment and social development.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that sports must be kept free from political interference, noting that sporting talent can only flourish in a peaceful and fair environment. He said politics should not influence sports and deserving youth must not be denied opportunities.
“We must create a transparent system where there is no room for doubt in the selection process,” he said.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment, the Lieutenant Governor said sustained support would continue for sportspersons, along with the development of state-of-the-art sports infrastructure at the grassroots level.
He also called for special focus on encouraging women and youth participation in sports and removing barriers that limit their involvement. Emphasising the role of policymakers and industry leaders, he said creating opportunities through sports is essential for long-term national development.
“Investing in sports means investing in disciplined citizens and a confident future. To build a strong sports culture, sports must become part of everyday community life and be closely linked with education and life skills,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the Department of Youth Services and Sports for organising the conference and promoting the national sports agenda through the sharing of best practices in governance, participation, athlete development and performance excellence.
He urged sports councils, federations and administrators to prepare strategic development plans aimed at improving performance in international competitions.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Commissioner/Secretary Youth Services and Sports Yasha Mudgal; Padma awardee and Olympian Karnam Malleswari, Vice Chancellor of Delhi Sports University; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar; Director General Youth Services and Sports Anuradha Gupta; senior officials, representatives of the Sports Authority of India, eminent sports personalities, experts and a large number of youth.
