India’s top tennis star Rohan Bopanna met Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Saturday in Bengaluru, where he shared details of his upcoming initiative aimed at nurturing and shaping young talent in Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesperson said.
As part of this programme, which aims to empower underprivileged youth, Bopanna explained that selected youngsters would receive both sporting and educational opportunities at his tennis academy in Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Kamal India Foundation.
The initiative will offer children from both divisions of Jammu and Kashmir free boarding, lodging, education, and comprehensive tennis training in Bengaluru, Bopanna added.
The Lieutenant Governor commended Bopanna’s initiative, describing it as a noble effort to empower children from underprivileged backgrounds through sports and education.
Also read: Farooq Abdullah assures J&K's progress with full statehood
Sinha also met Nazia Bibi, an international kho-kho player from Jammu and Kashmir, who represented India at the recently concluded Kho Kho World Cup 2025 in New Delhi.
Nazia, who hails from Nagrota in Jammu, was part of India’s Women’s Kho Kho World Cup-winning team.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated her on her remarkable achievement and extended best wishes for her future tournaments, the spokesperson said.
Jammu and Kashmir’s youth possess immense talent, although it had remained largely unexplored for decades due to the lack of sports infrastructure in the region.
Despite these hardships and a lack of exposure, J&K has produced quality athletes like footballer Mehraj-ud-din Wadoo, cricketers Parvez Rasool, Umran Malik, Rasikh Salam, and Abdul Samad, who have become inspirations for younger generations in the region eager to make their mark.
Also read: ₹41,000 cr Central aid proposed for J&K in 2025-26 Budget
Follow us
