LG Sinha Pays Tribute to Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day

LG Sinha Pays Tribute to Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day

Srinagar, Aug 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today paid rich tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand on the occasion of National Sports Day and emphasized the vital role of sports in building discipline, unity, resilience and a strong nation.

Addressing a National Sports Day function at Shalimar Campus of SKUAST Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor described Major Dhyan Chand as one of India’s most enduring sporting icons whose extraordinary talent earned global recognition for the country.

“Sport is life’s most honest teacher. The playing field never lies; rather, it tells you precisely where you stand today and what you must do to become better tomorrow,” the LG said, stressing that there are no shortcuts in sports and that success is achieved through hard work, discipline and character.

Highlighting the contribution of sports towards nation-building, Sinha said that sporting activities teach young people to face failure, rise again and work collectively for victory. He said sports also foster unity by bringing people together beyond differences of language and faith.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence in the sporting talent of Jammu and Kashmir and envisioned a future where every Gram Panchayat would harness the potential of sports, while academies in small towns would provide opportunities to budding athletes. He also emphasized the need to provide scientific training and facilities to talented youth, including those from rural and farming families.

Sinha stressed the importance of sports science, management and technical education in universities and institutions to create a skilled pool of trainers, physiotherapists and sports managers. He expressed hope that Jammu and Kashmir would not only participate in international sporting events but also emerge as a host for major competitions.

“Champions are forged through discipline and effort, not shortcuts,” the Lieutenant Governor said, urging corporate houses to support athletes at the talent-identification stage rather than waiting until they win medals.

Calling upon youth to contribute towards building a developed India by 2047, he outlined three key responsibilities for them—leading by example, competing with dignity and accepting defeat gracefully while inspiring the next generation.
He also urged young people to give back to society by mentoring and guiding upcoming athletes and acknowledged their participation in the Drug-Free Campaign.

“A healthy India is a fearless India. A sporting India is a confident India. And a confident India is an invincible India,” Sinha said, calling upon youth to identify their goals and pursue them with determination in sports, science, public service and other fields.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Sports Day pledge and felicitated top-performing sportspersons of the 69th National School Games.

MoUs were also exchanged between the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, Dani Sports Foundation and Common Services Centres for promoting sports in Jammu and Kashmir.

Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar; Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; IGP Kashmir, Sujit Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; Director General Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta; senior officials, representatives of sports organisations, sportspersons and a large number of youth attended the function