Jammu, Jan 17 (KNS) ; Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the critical need to keep politics out of sports to foster athletic talent in Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that sports must be insulated from external interference to create a transparent and impartial environment for youth.
Addressing a gathering in Jammu, Lieutenant Governor as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) outlined his vision for systemic reform, pledging robust infrastructure support, a special focus on women in sports, and a strategic blueprint to achieve international excellence.
“Sports is a powerful force that shapes character, unites communities, and plays a vital role in nation-building,” Sinha stated. “For the youth, it serves as a real-life school, imparting discipline, values, and leadership through lived experience. It is a potent medium for empowerment, social awareness, and societal progress.”
He strongly advocated for the systemic integration of sports with education and essential life skills, declaring it fundamental to the holistic development of young individuals.
The Lieutenant Governor insisted that athletic talent can only flourish in a peaceful and fair atmosphere. “To make India a true sporting powerhouse, we must keep sports and politics strictly separate. Politics should not interfere, and talented youth must not be deprived of the opportunities they deserve,” he said. He called for a transparent framework “where there is no room for doubt in the selection process.
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Reiterating the administration’s commitment, Sinha promised comprehensive support for athletes and the development of state-of-the-art sports infrastructure at the grassroots level. He highlighted the importance of encouraging greater participation of women and youth, urging policymakers and industry leaders to collaborate on removing barriers and creating new opportunities.
“Investing in sports means investing in disciplined citizens and a confident future to shape the nation’s destiny,” Sinha observed. “To build a genuine sports culture, we must bring it into the heart of daily community life and firmly connect it with education and life skills.”
The Lieutenant Governor commended the Jammu & Kashmir Department of Youth Services and Sports for its efforts in advancing the national sports agenda through improved governance, participation, and athlete development. He directed sports councils, federations, and officials to formulate a strategic plan specifically designed to enhance performance in international competitions.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Commissioner/Secretary for Youth Services and Sports, Yasha Mudgal; Padma awardee and Olympian Dr. Karnam Malleswari; Vice Chancellor of Delhi Sports University; Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; and Director General of Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta. (KNS)