Srinagar, Aug 27: Reiterating the commitment of the UT administration to provide world-class sports infrastructure and mentoring to nurture the young sporting talents of Jammu Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the key endeavours of the government to provide handholding and support to the women in diverse fields.
Addressing the gathering during the final match of Kashmir Women Cricket League in Srinagar, Sinha congratulated all the participants and the winners of the Women Cricket League.
“Women-led development is our top priority. Our socio-economic development policy is based on the idea of gender equality and necessary steps have been taken for empowerment of women and to provide them equal opportunity in every sector,” he said.
The tournament, orchestrated under the auspices of Chinar Corps, witnessed enthusiastic participation from 12 women’s cricket teams hailing from diverse regions across the Kashmir Division. Adding to the event’s prestige, Padma Shri awardee and former captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, Mithali Raj, graced the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor appreciates the initiative of Chinar Corps aimed at uplifting the spirit of women and empowering them through sports and popularizing a robust sports culture among girls in far-flung areas.
“The daughters of J&K are shining in different sectors despite many obstacles and challenges. They are breaking the glass ceilings and advancing their position in agriculture, industries, IT and startups.Even in the sports arena, they have proved to be second to none,” the Lt Governor said.
Acknowledging the role of women in nation building, the Lt Governor said the way the women scientists have taken the lead in the Chandrayaan-3 mission has set an example for others to follow.
He said the recent successes of women players at the national and international events have kindled hopes. “We have accorded due importance to sports and now we are witnessing a new sports culture in UT, adequate infrastructure and our resolve is to make J&K sporting power,” he added.
There is no dearth of talent in J&K. The presence of International Cricketer Mithali Raj will serve as motivation for players. “I am looking forward to the day when media channel headlines will say-The Girl from Anantnag, who is India’s new Mithali Raj. I firmly believe it is possible,” the Lt Governor said.
The final was played between Anantnag Rebels and the Budgam Strikers.
The Lt Governor handed over trophies and cash prizes to the winning, and other top performing teams and the players who excelled in the tournament. Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, GOC 15 Corps; Brig Anil Gupta, Member Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, Eminent sports personalities, Senior Civil, Police and Army officers, Sports lovers and youth in large numbers were present.
