Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the 6th Senior Asian Pencak Silat Championship being held in Srinagar. The event brings together over 150 athletes from different countries.Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor extended his greetings to the members of sporting fraternity, jury members and welcomed all the guests to enjoy the hospitality and incredible sights of Jammu Kashmir during the wonderful tournament.
Over the next five days we will celebrate and honour the individual strength and sporting excellence, said the Lt Governor.The Lt Governor observed that the ongoing sporting events across Jammu Kashmir have kindled hopes and it is a sign of a robust sports culture in the society.
‘In the last two years, we have formulated and implemented strategic sports development plan which is paying us the dividend’, he added.The Lt Governor said that better infrastructure together with experts and outstanding coaches have brought a major shift in training programmes.
We have also implemented a new sports policy and offering attractive career options for the sportspersons, he added.‘Our sincere effort is to provide an environment of encouragement and adequate resources so that every talented sportsperson can give spectacular performance in the national and international events.
We are committed to take every possible step to develop strong winner's instinct among our sportspersons’, the Lt Governor said.The Lt Governor underscored that Sports is all about unifying spirit of universal harmony and brotherhood.
‘This championship should not be viewed as an event that is only about winning. Participation with the spirit of sportsmanship is important. As a one big united family, celebrate the success of others as much as you celebrate yours’, he added.
Noting that Pencak Silat is relatively new to India and introduced only in 2014, the Lt Governor said within few years, Jammu Kashmir has witnessed an upswing in performance of our athletes in national and international events and they have earned 540 medals in the national events and 17 medals in the International events.
Last year, more than 1.7 million children and the youth participated in various sporting disciplines and this year, the number is expected to go beyond 3.5 million. The overwhelming participation clearly indicates resurgence of sports in the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir, he added.
Earlier, the Lt Governor interacted with the members of International teams of Pencak Silat from Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Nepal.Sh Sarmad Hafeez, Administrative Secretary Youth Services and Sports, in his welcome address extended a warm welcome to the foreign sportspersons and delegates arrived in Jammu Kashmir for the championship.
He informed about the several steps have been taken at the panchayat, block, district, and the UT level to promote sports, develop sports infrastructure and extend best facilities to the sportspersons. He thanked the International federation, and Indian federation of Pencak Silat for their support in organizing the championship.
Sh Kishore Prakash Yewela, President Indian Pencak Silat Federation; Sh. Teddy Surat Madji, Secretary General, International Pencak Silat Federation, Indonesia; Ms Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council; Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Sh P K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh. Mohammad Aijaz, DC Srinagar; Sh. Rakesh Balwal, SSP Srinagar, besides scores of young sports enthusiasts were present on the occasion.