Srinagar, Aug 13: 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) in Anantnag, LG Sinha 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.
The Lieutenant Governor also congratulated the people of Anantnag and South Kashmir for the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath ji Yatra.
Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, IT, Youth Services & Sports and ARI & Trainings; Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, MLA Srigufwara – Bijbehara along with other officials were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, LG Sinha on Wednesday also felicitated the Langar organisations for their significant contribution during Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025.
At a felicitation ceremony held at Spiritual Growth Centre Katra, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated and expressed his deep appreciation to the Langar organisations for their selfless service to the devotees of Baba Amarnath.
“Today’s felicitation of Langar Organisations at Katra also carried a message that nothing can beat the spirit of India. Successful conduct of holy pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji this year with unwavering determination of all the stakeholders has shown that we are second to none in the world. It is also a vindication of our steadfast commitment to selfless service and a symbol of resurgent India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the entire team of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, administrative officials, Police & Security personnel, service providers, NGOs, Volunteers, health professionals, and all stakeholders for working tirelessly 24×7 during the Yatra.
“Daily real-time feedback from Yatris on both the axis was ensured through Rapid Assessment System and 95% pilgrims had rated the services as ‘Very Good’. We can also see many emotional images and visuals where our police and security personnel can be seen carrying the pilgrims in need of assistance on their shoulders like their own family members,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the voluntary organizations associated with langar (Community Kitchen) have always made an unprecedented contribution in this spiritual gathering and they have worked with devotion and dedication in making the holy pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji a grand success every year.
He also emphasised that all the stakeholders must play their part in maintaining a safe and secure environment. The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board is making dedicated efforts to enhance the facilities for the devotees. He said the day is not far when devotees can travel through ropeway from Baltal and pay their obeisance to the holy cave. 122 Langars provided free of cost service to the pilgrims in the Yatra area.
