SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, on Saturday paid solemn tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand on the occasion of National Sports Day, describing the hockey wizard as one of India’s most enduring symbols of sporting excellence and national pride.
Addressing a function held at Shalimar Campus of SKUAST Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said Major Dhyan Chand’s legendary performances demonstrated how discipline, dedication and determination can transform talent into excellence.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that sports are not merely about winning medals but about building character, resilience, unity and the spirit of nation-building among the youth.
“Sport is life’s most honest teacher. The playing field never lies; rather, it tells you precisely where you stand today and what you must do to become better tomorrow. There are no shortcuts in sports. Even on the hockey turf, there is no place for excuses. There is only hard work, opportunity, and a test of your character,” LG Sinha said.
He observed that sports produce young people who learn how to overcome setbacks and rise again, while also nurturing a sense of teamwork and shared achievement.
Every Gram Panchayat Should Harness Power of Sports
Highlighting the importance of youth participation in sports, LG Sinha said that sports give wings to the dreams of young people and expressed confidence that the athletes of Jammu and Kashmir would play an important role in shaping the future of the country.
He envisioned a Jammu and Kashmir where every Gram Panchayat harnesses the power of sports, academies in smaller towns nurture emerging talent and talented youngsters from rural and farming families receive access to scientific training comparable to that available at Centres of Excellence in major cities.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the need to strengthen sports science, sports management and technical education in universities and institutions so that Jammu and Kashmir can produce qualified trainers, physiotherapists, sports managers and other professionals required to build a strong sporting ecosystem.
He expressed hope that Jammu and Kashmir would not only participate in international sporting events but would also emerge as a destination capable of hosting major international sporting competitions and showcasing its talent to the world.
“Champions Are Forged Through Sweat, Discipline and Effort”
The Lieutenant Governor said the sporting achievements of Jammu and Kashmir during the past six years demonstrate the immense potential of its youth.
“It is a resolve filled with infinite possibilities. Our achievements in sports over the past six years prove that if young people are prepared for sports with dedication, the region will create an entire era of champions,” he said.
Calling upon the youth to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, LG Sinha stressed that champions are not created through shortcuts but through sustained hard work, discipline and perseverance.
He also urged corporate houses and private organisations to support athletes at the talent-identification stage, rather than extending support only after sportspersons achieve medals at major competitions.
He said shaping champions is a collective responsibility involving society, coaches, support staff, parents and institutions.
LG Outlines Three Duties for Youth
The Lieutenant Governor outlined three important responsibilities for young people—leading by example, competing with dignity and accepting defeat gracefully while inspiring the next generation.
He called upon the youth to use the spirit of sports to rise above differences of language, faith and other divisions, saying that the playing field teaches people the importance of teamwork and unity.
LG Sinha also urged successful sportspersons to give back to society by mentoring and guiding the next generation, thereby strengthening the ecosystem that supports young athletes.
Applauds Youth for Drug-Free Campaign
The Lieutenant Governor commended the youth for their participation in the Drug-Free Campaign, saying their efforts could set an example for the rest of the country.
He underlined that development cannot be measured by GDP alone and must also be reflected in the health, energy, confidence and overall well-being of citizens.
“A healthy India is a fearless India. A sporting India is a confident India. And a confident India is an invincible India,” LG Sinha said.
Recalling the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand, he said the hockey legend had conveyed to the world the importance of identifying one’s goal and working relentlessly towards achieving it.
“Whatever field we stand in, whether it is the field of sports, science, or public service we must identify our goal, move towards it, and achieve it together,” he added.
National Sports Day Pledge Administered
During the celebrations, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Sports Day pledge and felicitated top-performing sportspersons of the 69th National School Games in recognition of their achievements.
On the occasion, MoUs were also exchanged between the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, Dani Sports Foundation and Common Services Centres for promoting and strengthening sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was attended by Shri Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir; Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shri Sujit Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Ms Anuradha Gupta, Director General, Youth Services and Sports, besides senior government officials, representatives of the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, Dani Sports Foundation and Common Services Centres, sportspersons and a large number of youth.
The National Sports Day celebrations reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to developing sporting infrastructure, nurturing grassroots talent and creating a stronger, healthier and more confident generation of youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
