Srinagar, Jun 11 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the administration aims to encourage more schools and youngsters to take up hockey and establish the Union Territory as a hub of world-class hockey talent.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the ALFA Hockey Inter-School Tournament-2026 at the Synthetic Hockey Astro Turf in Srinagar’s Polo Ground, Sinha said sustained investments in sports infrastructure, grassroots competitions and community engagement have helped boost the popularity of the sport across Jammu and Kashmir.
The tournament witnessed participation from 32 schools representing several districts, including Kupwara, Bandipora, Kulgam and Shopian.
Congratulating the winners and participants, the Lieutenant Governor said the event provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and realise their sporting potential.
“It is our aim to see more schools and more young players take up hockey in the coming years and establish Jammu and Kashmir as a cradle for world-class hockey talent,” Sinha said.
He said the administration is developing a talent pipeline that would support players from the school level to regional and national competitions.
Highlighting recent developments in sports infrastructure, Sinha said synthetic hockey turfs at Srinagar, Pulwama and Poonch have created new opportunities for aspiring players, while modern facilities are also being developed at Bandhu Rakh and K.K. Hakku Stadium in Jammu.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, these projects will strengthen training facilities, coaching programmes and talent identification initiatives, laying a strong foundation for future national-level players.
Sinha also reiterated the government’s commitment to providing opportunities and resources for youth, enabling them to contribute to the vision of a developed India.
The event was attended by senior civil, police and sports officials, coaches, students and teachers from participating schools.(NVI)
