Srinagar, April 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the National Sports Retreat held in Srinagar on Saturday. Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, this three-day event focuses on key policy challenges in sports, enhancing coordination between the central and state governments, and developing a comprehensive roadmap to transform India into a global sports powerhouse. Sports ministers, administrators, principal secretaries from various states, and representatives from national sports associations are participating in this event.
During his address, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the importance of fostering a sports culture starting from grassroots levels in villages and local communities. He stated, “True champions rarely emerge solely from elite academies. They are discovered in small towns, neighborhoods, and local clubs, where academies later refine their talents.”
He also remarked that sports should become an integral part of daily life, thriving not just in stadiums and competitions but also in neighborhoods, streets, and open fields, becoming a routine aspect of life.
The Lieutenant Governor urged sports ministers and administrators to provide all necessary resources to physical education teachers in schools, enabling them to support and nurture young talents effectively.
He noted, “Physical education teachers are often undervalued compared to science or math teachers. This mindset needs to change. Every physical education teacher plays a crucial role in our journey to make India a sports powerhouse. They deserve respect, recognition, and resources to identify and nurture young talents.”
He stressed that sports should be utilized as a force for social change beyond just winning medals. “Infrastructure alone is not enough; it must be paired with meaningful initiatives. Schools, communities, local administrations, and families need to collaborate to create ecosystems where every young athlete can recognize their potential, whether on a running track, football field, basketball court, or in a swimming pool,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that our true strength lies in harmonizing national perspectives with local implementation, ensuring that central government schemes reach villages rich in talent. He also suggested that the best practices of one state should be shared freely with others for adoption.
He stated, “We must create systems that identify and promote the talents of rural youth. These systems should be supported by scientific, accessible, and fair mechanisms. The sports infrastructure must be utilized fully and efficiently.”
He appealed to the corporate sector to collaborate in building a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem, as this task cannot be accomplished by the government alone. He urged the corporate world to step forward not just as sponsors but as co-creators of this national mission, leveraging their resources and social responsibilities.
The Lieutenant Governor concluded by calling on sports councils, federations, administrators, experts, industry leaders, and officials across the country to develop a strategic growth plan in line with international events. “India is rich in talented players. It is our responsibility to bridge the gap between these talented players and the opportunities available to them. Strengthening the grassroots sports ecosystem is not just an aspiration; it is our duty,” he emphasized.
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