Srinagar: In an apparent reference to the calendars once issued by separatist groups in Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that schools and colleges in Jammu and Kashmir now remain open year-round, and playgrounds are alive with the energy of the youth.
“Now calendars are published in J&K for Khelo India and other national and international games and not for strikes and shutdowns. The voices of the youth are now heard in stadiums, not in the streets,” he said.
Sinha was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival-2025 at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar. The three-day national sporting event has brought together 800 athletes from 28 states and Union Territories, competing in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. Demonstration events include water skiing, dragon boat racing, and a traditional shikara race.
The LG said the participation of athletes from across the country will project Jammu and Kashmir as the “Water Sports Capital of India” and give a strong message of peace, normalcy, and progress. “While winter sports attract visitors during the snow season, water sports will promote summer tourism benefiting the local economy,” he noted.
Highlighting the scale of sporting events held in the last few years, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed “impressive and unprecedented” growth in sports infrastructure and opportunities. “From 3-4 lakh per year before 2019, the number of youngsters getting a chance to play has gone up to 30-40 lakh per year,” he said. He credited the Government of India for developing a vibrant sports culture that is encouraging children and youth to pursue their dreams and keeping them away from drugs and anti-social activities.
“I am proud to say that sports in J&K have got their due under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modern sports infrastructure has been developed under his guidance across Jammu and Kashmir, and facilities have been extended to rural areas as well,” Sinha said.
He urged youngsters to take keen interest in water sports and aim high. “We must set our sights on international water sports games. Unless we aim high, we will never be able to reach the top. We can do much better in these games,” he said.
The LG described water sports as a means to build national character by instilling team spirit, strengthening bonds of sportsmanship, and promoting national integration. “Your unity in diversity is a symbol of the spirit of India,” he added.
Calling the festival an occasion to showcase the changing face of Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said: “When you return home, tell your friends and family that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are now actively engaged in sports, participating in a wide range of activities just like their counterparts across India.”
Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh L. Mandaviya declared the festival open through a video message.
Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister Satish Sharma, Commissioner Secretary Sarmad Hafeez, IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, senior officials, sports personalities, and sports lovers attended the opening ceremony.
