Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the Union Territory is on the cusp of producing top hockey stars, with the administration focused on building strong infrastructure for young athletes.
Addressing the valedictory function of the Alfa Hockey Inter-School Tournament 2026 at the Synthetic Hockey Astro Turf in Srinagar's Polo Ground, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration is focused on creating structured pathways for young players through better infrastructure, quality coaching and greater competitive exposure.
He emphasised that supporting youth at the grassroots level is crucial for discovering hidden talent and providing young players with the right exposure to excel in the sport.
“Many outstanding players come from ordinary backgrounds, but without opportunities and proper support, talent cannot progress. This tournament is helping identify such talent and enabling young sportspersons to move ahead,” Sinha said.
Expressing strong optimism about the future of hockey in Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said the efforts being made today would lay a strong foundation for producing national and international-level players in the years to come.
He added that hockey has the potential to become a major avenue for the youth of the Union Territory and expressed confidence that the tournament would mark the beginning of a new and successful chapter for the sport in J&K.
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