Anantnag, Aug 13 (KNO): Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir has carved a place in sports arena under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday expressed concern over the delay in appointments of 235 sportspersons selected under sports quota, urging the Chief Minister and Sports Minister to expedite the process without further delay.
Addressing a gathering at the trophy unveiling ceremony of Bijbehara Premier League (BPL) here in south Kashmir, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “ No appointments had been made under the sports quota in J&K since 2014 due to matter being sub judice. A new sports policy was framed, and 235 candidates—talented sportspersons of our region—were selected purely on the basis of merit.
Highlighting the plight of the selected athletes, he said they had been knocking on doors in the hope of securing their appointment letters. “I urge the sports minister to meet these youngsters. They have tried meeting me, but I have told them to meet the minister and the chief minister. I hope their appointment letters are issued without any further delay,” the LG stressed.
Referring to the remarkable progress made in the sports sector during the past few years, LG Sinha said, “In the past five years, we have invested in creating modern sports infrastructure, cultivate suitable environment for players and focussed on strong strategy and effective execution at grass roots level to foster sports culture.”
The Lieutenant Governor said the remarkable progress in J&K’s sports sector is due to hard work and unwavering determination of our sportspersons, dedicated coaches and tireless efforts of officials of Sports Council.
“J&K UT since 2020 had adopted a player-centered approach to develop players and maximise their ability. It has also been ensured that children and youth are provided with ample opportunities to participate in sports activities. This widespread reach reflects our commitment to inclusive sports development across the entire Union Territory,” he said.
LG Sinha said, "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."
He noted that sports activities are now being conducted in every corner of Jammu and Kashmir, including national-level tournaments, with young players not only pursuing games as a passion but also as a professional career path.
The LG credited PM 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.
"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.
CONGRATULATES PEOPLE FOR SUCCESSFUL CONDUCT OF AMARNATH YATRA
The LG also congratulated the people of J&K, especially Anantnag, for the peaceful conduct of this year's Amarnath Yatra, during which over 4.14 lakh pilgrims visited the holy cave.
"These yatris are acting as ambassadors of Kashmir, spreading the message of harmony and further boosting tourism," he added.
He said that after a gap of 36 years, Legends Cricket League matches were held in J&K last year, signalling the revival of international cricket in the region.
"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 added.
He further said government is committed to tap the untapped tourism potential of Kashmir so as to attract more and more tourists towards Kashmir—(KNO)