SRINAGAR, Aug 22, 2025 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, where bandh calendars have given way to Khelo India calendars and the voices of youth now echo in stadiums instead of streets.
Addressing the opening of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake, Sinha highlighted the Union Territory’s growing sports culture.
“In the last 5–6 years, sports participation in J&K has surged from 3–4 lakh to nearly 30–40 lakh. A vibrant sports ecosystem has been created, giving our youth new opportunities,” he said.
Calling upon participants to become “brand ambassadors” of J&K, the LG urged them to share the story of transformation across the country. “The crown jewel of the nation has endured immense pain for three decades, but today its youth are scripting a new chapter of hope and progress,” he remarked.
He added that national-level events like the water sports festival not only showcase peace and normalcy but also promote tourism. While winter sports attract visitors in the snow season, water sports, he said, would boost summer tourism and strengthen the local economy.
