Sports must shape youth beyond recreation: LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Feb 28: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the new generation represents boundless possibility, asserting that the youth are the answer to every challenge.

He stressed that with the right opportunities, strong platforms and genuine mentorship, young people can script history and shape a brighter future for the nation.

He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 2nd edition of ‘Sikh Cricket Premier League (SCPL)’ at Cricket Ground, University of Jammu.

He said that SCPL was sculpting multifaceted character and in future it will instill discipline, leadership, teamwork, patience, and self-belief in the young generation.

He said that the commendable initiative of All J&K Sikh Coordination Committee and the Hari Singh Nalwa Cricket Club, Jammu was a declaration that the new generation advances not as spectators, but as bearers of brotherhood and social harmony.

To foster inclusivity, All J&K Sikh Coordination Committee has ensured that each team includes youth from other communities.

The Lieutenant Governor spoke to players on training with ferocious discipline and competing with unbreakable unity, on and off the ground.

He emphasised that the true societal wealth and strength reside not in bricks and mortar, but in fresh ideas.

“The energy of our youth is like a river. When guided with purpose, it becomes a source of life and progress. I am confident in the journey of nation-building, our youth will not stop, not bow, and they will not tire,” LG Manoj Sinha said.

He said that vital sporting events like SCPL must cultivate youth who view sports not as pastime, but as forge for life’s enduring values.

“When youth align with purposeful missions, they grasp that grand transformations demand grand visions. Entrepreneurship and sports harbor that very alchemy,” he said.

LG Manoj Sinha said that sports landscape in Jammu & Kashmir has undergone a historic transformation over the past few years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Driven by substantial financial assistance under the Prime Minister’s Development Programme (PMDP), the Union Territory has built a world-class foundation for sports excellence,” he said.

He further said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent visit to Jammu Kashmir, has assured Rs. 200 crore assistance for sports development in UT, with support of BCCI, FIFA and other sports organizations.

Chairman All J&K Sikh Coordination Committee S. Ajit Singh, heads of various sikh organisations, prominent citizens, players, coaches and youth in large number attended the inaugural ceremony.

Member of Legislative Assembly from Bahu Vikram Randhawa, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, Director Anti-Corruption Bureau Shakti Pathak and other senior officials were also present.