Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 11

Jammu and Kashmir is building a stronger hockey ecosystem through investments in infrastructure, grassroots competitions and talent identification programmes aimed at producing future national-level players, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the ALFA Hockey Inter-School Tournament 2026 at Srinagar’s Polo Ground, Sinha said the administration was focused on creating a structured pathway for young athletes to progress from school competitions to higher levels of the sport.

“We are building a talent pipeline in J&K that will ensure a player’s journey from the school level to the regional level and national stage,” he said.

The tournament featured students from 32 schools across several districts of Kashmir and was organised with support from the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Badal Hockey Club and Hockey Jammu and Kashmir.

Sinha said the competition served as a platform to identify promising players, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who often lack access to opportunities and professional training.

“Many outstanding players come from ordinary backgrounds, but without opportunities and proper support, talent cannot progress,” he said.

The lieutenant governor said hockey had received renewed attention in recent years as authorities expanded sports infrastructure and encouraged greater participation at the grassroots level.

Synthetic hockey turfs have been established at Srinagar’s Polo Ground, Pulwama and Poonch, while additional facilities are being developed at Bandhu Rakh and K.K. Hakku Stadium in Jammu, he said.

According to Sinha, the infrastructure expansion would support advanced coaching programmes, talent scouting and training camps, helping create a sustainable framework for player development.

“We 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,” he said.

Addressing participants, Sinha urged young athletes to remain disciplined, continue learning from coaches and focus on improving their performance.

He also linked sports development with broader youth empowerment and nation-building goals, saying the government remained committed to creating opportunities for young people.

Expressing confidence about the future of the sport in the region, Sinha said current efforts would help produce a new generation of players capable of competing at higher levels.

“Hockey can become a major avenue for our youth. I am confident that more players will emerge from Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Senior government officials, sports administrators, coaches, teachers and students attended the event.