Jammu, Dec 28: The Fifth edition of the Kashmiri Pandit Premier League was inaugurated on Saturday by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Maulana Azad Stadium.
During his address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated all participants in this prominent cricket tournament in Jammu.
He stated, “Sports truly defines life. One of our key objectives in life is to achieve a balance of body, mind, and soul, which is precisely what sports teaches us.”
He emphasized that the sports arena motivates us to turn our dreams into actions, making our society more vibrant.
“Sports instills in us the bravery and determination to achieve the seemingly impossible. It inspires us to dream and gives us the courage to realize those dreams,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the Lalitaditya Sports, Education, and Health Organization for its commitment to promoting sports.
“I often highlight that the best performance of any athlete is not for their team or rivals, but rather a journey to surpass their own limitations,” he remarked.
He noted that events such as the Kashmiri Pandit Premier League provide an excellent opportunity for players to develop their skills and forge connections among members of the Kashmiri Pandit community nationwide.
On this occasion, the Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed his dedication to the welfare and empowerment of the Kashmiri Pandit community, describing them as living embodiments of the values of sacrifice, resilience, determination, and nationalism that our culture upholds. “I take immense pride in their achievements on both national and international platforms,” he stated.
“I view the Kashmiri Pandit community as a beacon of hope for the future of our nation,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of embracing the vision of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’ to ensure every youth is included in the development process.
“We are one of the world’s oldest civilizations with a notably youthful demographic profile. This presents us with the potential for a demographic dividend, which could significantly catapult India to the forefront of global civilization,” he mentioned.
He encouraged young people to remain connected to their cultural roots and serve society selflessly.
“I have immense confidence in the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. It is our collective duty to provide them with opportunities and guidance to empower them in realizing the vision of a developed India,” he concluded.
Anil Bhat, President of the Lalitaditya Sports, Education, and Health Organization, shared plans for organizing a similar tournament in Kashmir in the future.
The event was attended by Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary of the Youth Services and Sports Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner of Jammu; Dr. Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) J&K; along with senior officials from the UT and Police Administration, prominent citizens, athletes, and members of the Lalitaditya Sports, Education, and Health Organization.
