The ‘National Level Sports Conference - SRIJAN’, organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports at Jammu was a step towards identifying the actionable strategies to further strengthen sports systems in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the conference, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called for linking sports with education and essential life skills. With integration in education curriculum, sports can become a powerful tool for the complete and holistic development of youth.
It has been proven beyond doubt that sports is a powerful force that shapes individuals, brings communities together, and plays a vital role in nation-building.
For youth, sports serve as a real-life school which teaches discipline, values, and leadership through lived experience. It is a strong medium for empowerment, social awareness, and the overall progress of the society.
Beyond individual development, sports play a pivotal role in community building and social cohesion. In a diverse region like Jammu and Kashmir, sports have the unique ability to transcend social, regional, and cultural divides. They bring people together, foster mutual understanding, and create shared identities rooted in collective achievement. Initiatives discussed at forums like SRIJAN can help ensure that sports infrastructure, coaching, and opportunities reach every corner of the region, including rural and remote areas, thereby promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Structured sports programmes can keep youth positively engaged, channel their energy productively, and protect them from social vulnerabilities. Moreover, by creating pathways for talent identification and professional growth, sports can offer viable career options, instilling hope and confidence among young aspirants.
In the broader context of nation-building, a strong sports culture reflects a healthy, disciplined, and confident society. Countries that invest in sports not only produce champions but also cultivate citizens who embody resilience and unity. Jammu and Kashmir, with its immense youth potential and growing sports infrastructure, stands at a promising juncture.
LG Sinha drove home a point that sports should be kept away from politics and sporting talent can only be nurtured in a peaceful environment. In order to make India a true sporting powerhouse, sports and politics need to be kept away.
Sports have the power to bridge the gap and bring the communities together. Sporting talent needs to be nurtured and groomed. |
