Jammu, December 28: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 5th edition of the Kashmiri Pandit Premier League at the iconic MA Stadium in Jammu, marking yet another milestone in the region’s growing sports culture.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the players participating in this premier cricket tournament, celebrated as one of the largest of its kind in Jammu.
“Life is best defined by sports, which teach us the art of balancing body, mind, and soul,” the Lieutenant Governor remarked, emphasising the transformative role sports play in nurturing discipline, determination, and dreams.
Sports inspire courage to achieve the impossible and provide the strength to turn dreams into reality, the Lieutenant Governor added, while encouraging young athletes to channel their potential toward personal and societal growth.
Praising the efforts of the Lalitaditya Sports, Education & Health Organisation, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted its commendable role in promoting sports and fostering camaraderie within the Kashmiri Pandit community. He underlined the importance of initiatives like KPPL in creating a vibrant platform for players to refine their skills while strengthening ties among community members across the country.
“The Kashmiri Pandit community stands as a beacon of resilience, determination, and nationalism, deeply rooted in our cultural values,” the Lieutenant Governor said. “I am proud of their remarkable achievements on national and international platforms.”
Reiterating his commitment to the welfare and empowerment of the Kashmiri Pandit community, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage while fostering inclusive development. “We must embrace the vision of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’—progress that is rooted in our legacy—and ensure that every youth is engaged in shaping the nation’s future.”
Reflecting on India’s youthful demographic advantage, the Lieutenant Governor called for collective action to harness this potential, empowering young people to contribute to the vision of a developed India—Viksit Bharat.
“I have great faith in the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. It is our collective responsibility to provide them with the opportunities and support they need to thrive,” he stated.
The event also saw Sh. Anil Bhat, President of Lalitaditya Sports, Education & Health Organisation, announcing plans to organise a similar tournament in Kashmir in the near future.
Key dignitaries, including Sh. Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Services & Sports Department; Sh. Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Dr. Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), and other senior officials, prominent citizens, and sportspersons, were in attendance, lending their support to this celebration of sports and community spirit.