SRINAGAR, June 11, 2026 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday reaffirmed the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s commitment to developing hockey across the Union Territory, stating that sustained efforts are being made to identify, nurture, and promote young sporting talent through a structured talent pipeline.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Alfa Hockey Inter-School Tournament 2026 at the Synthetic Hockey Astro Turf, Polo Ground Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor described the tournament as a significant platform for discovering emerging players and providing them with opportunities to excel in the sport.
LG Sinha said that sporting talent can only thrive when young athletes are provided with the necessary infrastructure, guidance, and competitive exposure. He noted that the Alfa Hockey Inter-School Tournament has evolved into an important avenue for identifying promising players and helping them progress in their sporting careers.
Highlighting the challenges faced by many talented youngsters, he observed that several outstanding sportspersons come from ordinary backgrounds and often require proper opportunities and support to realize their full potential. According to him, the tournament is playing a crucial role in bridging this gap by bringing talented players into the spotlight.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed satisfaction with the level of competition witnessed during the tournament and said the performances reflected the immense sporting potential that exists among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Praising the determination and resilience of young athletes, LG Sinha remarked that the youth of the Union Territory have consistently demonstrated the ability to achieve their goals through dedication, hard work, and perseverance.
Emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, he encouraged participants to make the best use of the guidance provided by their coaches. He noted that coaches understand the strengths and weaknesses of players and can help them refine their skills and elevate their performance.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged aspiring hockey players to learn from the achievements of successful sportspersons and draw inspiration from their journeys toward excellence.
Underscoring the broader significance of sports, LG Sinha said that youth development and nation-building are closely interconnected. He emphasized that sports not only promote physical fitness and discipline but also create opportunities for young people to contribute positively to society.
Expressing optimism about the future of hockey in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the sport has the potential to become a major avenue for youth development in the Union Territory. He voiced confidence that more talented hockey players would emerge from the region in the coming years and that the Alfa Hockey Inter-School Tournament would serve as the beginning of a new chapter for hockey in Jammu and Kashmir.
