LG Sinha Pays Tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, Calls for Sports-Led Youth Empowerment and Nation-Building
Srinagar, August 29, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday paid tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day, describing him as one of India’s most enduring sporting icons and a symbol of the country’s exceptional talent and determination.
Addressing a National Sports Day function at the Shalimar Campus of SKUAST-Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said sports play a vital role in building discipline, resilience, unity and a strong sense of nationhood among young people.
“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,” LG Sinha said, stressing that there are no shortcuts to success in sports.
Recalling Major Dhyan Chand’s contribution to Indian hockey, he said every stroke of the legendary player’s hockey stick represented discipline, dedication and determination. Sports, he added, teach young people to overcome setbacks, rise after defeat and work collectively towards success.
Highlighting the potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, LG Sinha expressed confidence that the region could emerge as a major sporting hub. He called for developing sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, including in every Gram Panchayat, while establishing academies in smaller towns to identify and nurture promising talent.
He also stressed the need to strengthen sports science, management and technical education in universities and institutions so that the region can produce trained coaches, physiotherapists, sports managers and other professionals required to support athletes.
The Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir should aspire not only to participate in international sporting competitions but also to host major events, providing its athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent before a global audience.
“Our achievements in sports over the past six years prove that if young people are prepared for sports with dedication, the region will create an entire era of champions,” he said.
Calling upon the youth to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, LG Sinha said champions are created through sustained effort, discipline and perseverance rather than shortcuts. He urged corporate houses to support promising athletes from the stage of talent identification instead of extending support only after they achieve medals at major competitions.
He underlined the collective responsibility of parents, coaches, support staff and society in helping young athletes realise their potential.
The Lieutenant Governor also outlined three responsibilities for the youth: to lead by example, compete with dignity and accept both victory and defeat with grace. He urged young people to use sports as a means of overcoming differences of language and faith and strengthening social unity.
He further called upon successful sportspersons to give back to society by mentoring and guiding the next generation, saying that every athlete’s success is supported by the wider community.
Referring to the ongoing campaign against drug abuse, LG Sinha commended the participation of young people in the Drug-Free Campaign and urged them to continue setting an example for the country.
He said the progress of a nation should not be assessed solely through economic indicators, but also through the health, confidence and well-being of its citizens.
“A healthy India is a fearless India. A sporting India is a confident India. And a confident India is an invincible India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He urged young people to identify their goals and pursue them with determination, drawing inspiration from Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy.
On the occasion, LG Sinha administered the National Sports Day pledge and felicitated top-performing sportspersons of the 69th National School Games.
Memoranda of Understanding 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 initiatives aimed at 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 the partner organisations; sportspersons and a large number of youth attended the celebrations.
