Jammu, 29 August (H.S.): The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today paid solemn tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, the wizard of hockey, on the occasion of National Sports Day. Recalling his legendary performance, the Lieutenant Governor described Major Dhyan Chand as one of India’s deepest and most enduring symbols, whose brilliance compelled the world to pause and acknowledge India’s immense sporting talent.

In his address on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor observed that every stroke of Major Dhyan Chand’s hockey stick symbolised discipline, dedication, and willpower. He emphasized that sports are not merely about medals but about cultivating resilience, unity, and the spirit of nation-building.

“Sport is life’s most honest teacher. The playing field never lies; rather, it tells you precisely where you stand today and what you must do to become better tomorrow. There are no shortcuts in sports. Even on the hockey turf, there is no place for excuses. There is only hard work, opportunity, and a test of your character.

Sports cultivate the fundamental strength of nation-building that society needs. Sports produce young people who know how to fall and then rise again to hoist the flag of victory. Sports nurture the spirit and sentiment that teach us to believe in shared triumph,” he said.

Highlighting the role of youth, the Lieutenant Governor said that sports give wings to dreams. He expressed confidence in the young athletes of Jammu Kashmir, noting that they represent the bright future of India. He envisioned a future where every Gram Panchayat harnesses the power of sports, where academies in small towns nurture talent, and where farmers’ daughters receive the same scientific training as athletes in Centres of Excellence in big cities.

The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the importance of sports science, management, and technical expertise in universities and institutions, which would produce trainers, physiotherapists, and managers for the future. He expressed hope that Jammu Kashmir would not only participate in international sporting events but also host them, showcasing its talent to the world.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar