Jammu, Dec 17: Today, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta Khel Ratna Award 2024 ceremony, honoring the distinguished recipients of this esteemed sports accolade. The Lieutenant Governor also offered tributes to Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor recognized the remarkable achievements of the sportspersons and sports officials who received awards this year.
“The sports personalities honored today embody the transformative spirit of J&K. I am confident that they will strive tirelessly to bring glory to the nation through their endeavors and continue to motivate the younger generation,” he remarked.
Reflecting on Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta’s legacy, the Lieutenant Governor mentioned that the former Union Minister dedicated his life to the betterment of the people in Jammu Kashmir. “The swift advancement seen in the J&K UT over recent years stands as a tribute to his memory,” he stated.
“Sports serve as a potent instrument for positive transformation and have historically acted as a bridge connecting diverse cultures. J&K is now becoming a center for national and international sporting events. Our renewed focus on cutting-edge sports infrastructure, allied facilities, and the nurturing of young talent has revolutionized sports in J&K,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to provide platforms and essential support for emerging sportspersons in J&K.
He emphasized that the vibrant sports ecosystem is meeting the aspirations of the youth in Jammu Kashmir.
The new sports policy has ignited renewed optimism for our talented athletes. Last year, we recorded an impressive 53 lakh participation from children and youth in various sports activities, with 30,000 players from Jammu Kashmir participating in national and zonal tournaments, and 46 athletes representing India in international competitions, he further noted.
“Our vision is to establish J&K as the most active UT in sports and a powerhouse in various disciplines. I am optimistic that our athletes will uphold the tradition of excellence and bravery in national and international competitions to achieve this vision,” the Lieutenant Governor expressed.
He also acknowledged the pivotal role of the Sports Department, Sports Council, and all stakeholders in fostering sports development in J&K.
Present at the event were Arun Gupta, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu; Anil Gupta, President of the J&K Amateur Kabaddi Association; members of the Vansh Sabre Sports Foundation, notable sports figures, and representatives from various sports associations.
Also in attendance were Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner Secretary of the General Administration Department; Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary of the Youth Services and Sports Department; Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, along with senior officials.
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