Awantipora, Sept 06: Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha Tuesday said that sports fields and athletic tracks function as class rooms for character building of sports persons and lessons learnt on sports fields remain with the players forever
The LG, who is also the chancellor of IUST, said this during his visit to the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), Awantipora, where he inaugurated the 1st J&K Chancellor’s Athletic meet.
Men and women athletes from different universities of Jammu and Kashmir are participating in the two-day athletic meet, organised by the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also inaugurated the 400 meters synthetic athletic track and dedicated the facility to the athletes. It is the only international level track in the UT prepared by the government under Khelo India initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, the LG said, “Sports fields and athletic tracks in schools and higher education institutions function as class rooms for character building of sports persons.
“The lessons learnt on sports fields remain with the lives of players forever,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the athletic track for an athlete, LG Sinha said, “The athletic track on which your determination, courage and energy will be tested is a life lesson track. This synthetic track provides an opportunity to youth to see their lives from a different perspective,” he said.
The LG observed, “Lessons learnt within four walls of class rooms are forgotten within some years by many, but the lessons learnt while running on the track will remain with you for life.”
“These lessons will lead you to a straight path at every turn of your life,” he said.
“Your coaches and teachers develop team spirit and passion in youto fight .
“I convey to the boys and girls taking part in the Chancellor’s Athletic meet that they shouldn’t take part in competitions only to win medals, but to build a strong character from it,” he said.
He elaborated that the English dictionary has a very limited meaning for the word athlete.
He said that his belief is that athlete means “youth, excitement, passion, firm determination and power to excel in life.”
“It is because of these qualities of youth that J&K is witnessing all round progress in sectors at a significant pace,” he said.
He further went on to say that it is said that a best athlete is one who secures first position and who wins medals.
“I don’t agree with this statement. For me the best athlete is one who fights without any fear and one who benefits from the opportunity of learning in accordance with game spirit,” he said.
Quoting examples of celebrity athletes, the LG said, “Both Hema Das and Husain Bolt were from humble backgrounds.
“They learnt their life lessons from athletic tracks, today they inspire lakhs of athletes,” he said.
He reminded the young sports persons that today’s athletic race is not an end goal but it will lead them to the goal which they cherish.
The LG advised young students to believe in a different sort of learning.
“You should learn such skills which will remain relevant throughout life, which will make you resilient and help you in facing future challenges,” he said.
Sinha said that a sports culture is gradually evolving in the UT.
“Today the whole country talks about the passion of J&K youth in every sports tournament due to which the youth of the UT feel proud and confident,” he said.
‘My Youth My Pride’ campaign is being implemented across the UT to instill self-pride and confidence among the youth.
He informed, under this campaign, about 14 lakh youth are getting an opportunity to showcase their talent in 22 sports disciplines. This year, 13 national sports championships are being organized in Jammu and Kashmir in which 11,000 players from across the country will participate. Sports Associations are coming together to provide an opportunity to about four lakh youth and children in different sports events,” said the Lt Governor.
He further revealed, “Overall, this year a record 35 lakh youth will get a chance to compete and hone their skills in different disciplines of sports.”
In the last financial year, 126 projects were completed to develop sports infrastructure and today, indoor stadium facilities have been developed even in remote areas of J&K, he added.
J&K’s Sports budget is higher than various developed States/ UTs, which itself speaks volumes about our commitment towards creating sports culture, the Lt Governor further added.
Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology, in his welcome address laid emphasis on the significance of sports in a student’s life for their holistic development.
80 athletes from 8 Universities are taking part in different track events in the first Chancellor’s athletic meet at IUST, it was informed.
Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary to Government, Youth Services and Sports; Abdul Jabbar DIG, SKR, besides faculty members of IUST, prominent sports personalities, senior officers of the UT Administration, Police and Army were present on the occasion.
