Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Celebrates National Sports Day, Honors Major Dhyan Chand

Srinagar, India Aug 30, 2026 ALN: "The playing field never lies." On National Sports Day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, describing the hockey wizard as one of India's deepest and most enduring symbols whose brilliance compelled the world to acknowledge the country's immense sporting talent.

In his address at the National Sports Day function, the Lieutenant Governor observed that every stroke of Major Dhyan Chand's hockey stick symbolized discipline, dedication, and willpower. He emphasized that sports are not merely about medals but about cultivating resilience, unity, and the spirit of nation-building. "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. There are no shortcuts in sports. Even on the hockey turf, there is no place for excuses. There is only hard work, opportunity, and a test of your character," he said.

"Sports cultivate the fundamental strength of nation-building that society needs. Sports produce young people who know how to fall and then rise again to hoist the flag of victory. Sports nurture the spirit and sentiment that teach us to believe in shared triumph," he added.

Highlighting the role of youth, Sinha said that sports give wings to dreams. He expressed confidence in the young athletes of Jammu and Kashmir, noting that they represent the bright future of India. He envisioned a future where every Gram Panchayat harnesses the power of sports, where academies in small towns nurture talent, and where farmers' daughters receive the same scientific training as athletes in Centres of Excellence in big cities.

The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the importance of sports science, management, and technical expertise in universities and institutions, which would produce trainers, physiotherapists, and managers for the future. He expressed hope that Jammu and Kashmir would not only participate in international sporting events but also host them, showcasing its talent to the world. "It is a resolve filled with infinite possibilities. 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 youth to contribute to building Viksit Bharat 2047, the Lieutenant Governor stressed that champions are forged through discipline and effort, not shortcuts. He urged corporate houses to support athletes at the stage of talent recognition, rather than only after they win medals. He emphasized the collective responsibility of society, coaches, support staff, and parents in shaping champions.

The Lieutenant Governor outlined three duties for youth, calling them to lead by example, compete with dignity, accept defeat gracefully, and inspire future generations. He asked the youth to use the unity of sports to transcend differences of language and faith. He called upon youth to give back to society by guiding and mentoring the next generation, repaying the community that supports every athlete. He commended the youth for their participation in the Drug-Free Campaign, setting an example for the nation.

He reiterated that development is not measured by GDP alone but by the health, energy, and confidence of citizens. "A healthy India is a fearless India. A sporting India is a confident India. And a confident India is an invincible India. Major Dhyan Chand gave the entire world one message: to find your goal. That must be our message today as well. Whatever field we stand in — whether it is the field of sports, science, or public service — we must identify our goal, move towards it, and achieve it together," the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Sports Day pledge and felicitated the top-performing sportspersons of the 69th National School Games. MoUs were also exchanged between the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, and Abhinav Bindra Foundation, Dani Sports Foundation, and Common Services Centres, for the promotion of sports in the Union Territory. The event was attended by senior officials, representatives of sports foundations, sportspersons, and youth in large numbers at Shalimar Campus, SKUAST Kashmir.