Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha addressed the Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta Khel Ratna Award 2024 ceremony today and felicitated the recipients of the prestigious sports award. The Lieutenant Governor also paid tributes to Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated the talented sportspersons and sports officials, who have been conferred with this year’s award.
“All the sports personalities awarded today are living embodiments of the positive change taking place in J&K. I am confident they will work with dedication to earn glory for the country through their performances and continue to inspire young generation,” he said.
Remembering Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, the Lieutenant Governor said the former Union Minister devoted his life for the welfare of the people of Jammu Kashmir. “The rapid development J&K UT has witnessed in the last few years is our tribute to him,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
“Sports is a powerful tool for positive change and has always served as a bridge to connect people of different cultures. Today, J&K is emerging as a hub of national and international sporting events. Our renewed thrust on state-of-the-art sports infrastructure and allied facilities and nurturing young talent have revolutionised the sports sector of J&K,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the commitment of the government, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to provide the platform and necessary handholding to the budding sportspersons of J&K.
He highlighted that the vibrant sports ecosystem is fulfilling the aspirations of the youth of Jammu Kashmir.
The new sports policy has kindled brighter hope for our talented sportspersons. Last year, we have witnessed a record 53 lakh participation from children and youth of the UT in various sports disciplines, besides 30,000 players from Jammu Kashmir participated in national and zonal tournaments and 46 players represented India in international tournaments, he further added.
“It is our dream to make J&K sportiest UT and a leading power in various sports disciplines. I am hopeful that our sportspersons will continue the tradition of success and valour in National and International games to realise this dream,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also commended the important contribution of Sports Department, Sports Council and all the stakeholders in the promotion of sports in J&K.
Sh Arun Gupta, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu; Sh Anil Gupta, President, J&K Amateur Kabaddi Association; members of Vansh Sabre Sports Foundation, prominent sports personalities and representatives of various sports associations were present.
Sh Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department; Sh Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department; Ms Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council and senior officials were also present on the occasion.