Kashmiri youth replaced stones with sports: J&K LG

jj correspondent

Jammu, Mar 9: Stating that a large number of Kashmiri youth are scripting their future in the field of sports, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that the youth in the Valley have replaced stones with sports activities like cricket bat, hockey and badminton.
“The misguided youth who would pick up stones are holding cricket bat, hockey, badminton and tennis rackets in their hands and this is the outcome of the pledge taken by the Prime Minister Narendera Modi three years ago that removed hurdles and resolved all issues in J&K,” LG Siunha said addressing the closing ceremony of LG’s Rolling Trophy here at Maulana Azad Stadium.
Speaking on the transformation, the Lt Governor said the divisive forces and their sympathizers misguided our youth and gave stones in their hands and added, “presently, with hockey sticks, cricket bats, tennis and badminton rackets in their hands and dreams in the heart, they have embarked on a new journey of peace and prosperity.”
“Youth should think big and act towards more ambitious goals in life. The administration is with them at every step”, said the Lt Governor.
More than 42000 participants took part in the rolling trophy.
“Covid dampened the sports spirit for some time but, large number of youth are scripting the new history in the field of sports,” he said adding that the administration has assured the jubilant youth that they will get the best possible sports infrastructure.
“Talent is being traced at Panchayat level and sportsmen are being provided best guidance to prove their skills,” the LG said.
He said that the Youth and Sports department, mission youth and Sports Council is visiting village to village to trace the talent and provide them a proper platform.
“Special focus is being given to build a quality sports infrastructure at village level,” the LG said
Sinha congratulated the players and winning team and urged them to continue to do their best to bring glory to the sports fraternity.
He said, “the LG’s Rolling Trophy is an important initiative of the Mission Youth that aims to strengthen the roots of sports culture. The tournament enabled our players to demonstrate excellence on the field and promoted pride, camaraderie and the spirit of sportsmanship.”
The Lt Governor reiterated the Government’s commitment to provide modern facilities and world class coaching to the sportspersons.
Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, we have created new infrastructures for the players in far-flung areas, he said and observed that the key to vibrant sports culture lies in the effective combination of talent hunt, mentoring and suitable platform. Not only do we want to feed our sports culture with a steady stream of young talents, but we also want to inculcate sporting excellence and skill in our youth.
“Sports build character, infuse values of team spirit and bring diverse communities together. We are resolute to extend all possible support, facilities and resources to the sportspersons to safeguard their future and make their dreams come true,” the Lt Governor observed.
He said that this year, 104 projects under JKIDFC and 117 projects under CAPEX have been completed across the UT, adding, “more than 60 lakh children and youth participated in sports activities in the last one year.”
In many disciplines like gymnastics, judo, football, cricket, we have set up academies to identify and nurture the talents, the Lt Governor noted.
Mission Youth with its various schemes is providing our youth a life of hope, purpose and opportunity. Sports, self employment & other youth oriented programmes being run by the UT Administration have transformed the lives of youth of J&K.
As many as 17 schemes of Mission Youth have empowered the young generation to realize their true potential, the Lt Governor added.
“In just 10 days of Back to Village and My Town, My Pride, we have created 75,000 new entrepreneurs. In the last three years, 6 lakh youth have started their entrepreneurial journey,” he further added.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor inaugurated the Main Gate at MA Stadium and laid the foundation stone for the Artificial Rock Climbing Wall at the premises.
The Lt Governor interacted with the players and handed over trophies and cash prizes to the winning, and other top performing teams and the players who excelled in the tournament.
Jammu emerged as the winner of the LG’s Rolling Trophy (Cricket) and was awarded with the cash prize of Rs One Lakh. The second & third placed teams of the tournament, Anantnag and Ganderbal were awarded with cash prizes of Rs 75,000 & Rs 50,000, respectively, while Doda grabbed the fourth spot.
Ankush Sharma was declared the Man of the Tournament and was awarded with Rs 50,000 cash prize for his outstanding performance. Sh Rishav won the Man of the Match in the finals.
Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and representatives of various sports organizations, prominent sports personalities and sports-lovers were present on the occasion. UNI