Jammu, January 17, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the two-day National Level Sports Conference – SRIJAN, organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports at Jammu. The conference aims to identify actionable strategies to strengthen sports systems in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, prepare a roadmap for effective implementation of the National Sports Policy 2025 and J&K Sports Policy 2022, and outline measures for building a resilient and future-ready generation.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor underlined the transformative role of sports in individual development and nation-building. He said sports shape character, foster unity among communities, and contribute significantly to social progress. For the youth, he observed, sports function as a real-life school that imparts discipline, values, teamwork and leadership through lived experience.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to integrate sports with education and essential life skills, stating that inclusion of sports in the education curriculum can serve as a powerful tool for the holistic development of young people. He emphasised that investing in sports is an investment in disciplined citizens and a confident future for the country.
Calling for the promotion of a vibrant sports culture, the Lieutenant Governor said sports must become an integral part of daily community life and be closely linked with education and skill development. He also laid special emphasis on encouraging greater participation of women and youth in sports and removing barriers that limit their opportunities.
Highlighting the importance of fair play and transparency, the Lieutenant Governor asserted that sports must be kept free from political interference, noting that talent can only flourish in a peaceful and unbiased environment. He called for a robust system that ensures transparency in selection processes and equal opportunities for talented sportspersons.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment, the Lieutenant Governor said continuous support will be extended to sportspersons, alongside the development of modern sports infrastructure at the grassroots level. He urged policymakers, industry leaders, sports councils, federations and administrators to work collectively on strategic plans aimed at improving performance in international competitions.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the Department of Youth Services and Sports for its initiative in advancing the national sports agenda through sharing best practices in governance, participation, athlete development and performance excellence.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Commissioner/Secretary Youth Services and Sports Yasha Mudgal; Padma Shri awardee and Olympian Dr Karnam Malleswari, Vice Chancellor of Delhi Sports University; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar; Director General Youth Services and Sports Anuradha Gupta; senior officials, representatives of the Sports Authority of India, eminent sports personalities, experts and a large number of youth.
