Editorial . . .
Sports once held a special place in society. Playfields have reduced as a result of the rapid destructive process of ‘progress’ or ‘advancement,’ and people, too, have little ‘other time’ save to constantly race against the immense pace of the time. When one speaks about smaller playfields, it does not have to be literal; it can also refer to the sporting spirit, which is rapidly disappearing.
To consider the notion of spending time in the playfields as the ‘other time’ would also simply mean that sports are not taken seriously anymore by the Jammu and Kashmir society. This notion is also the glaring signpost of what the ‘modern time’ has done to society. Inversely speaking, society has done away with the sporty spirit which was, once upon a time, a vital part of life.
It is quite disheartening to note that sporting activities have become very less in the villages. Except for occasional sporting events, J&K villagers seem to find little taste of sports these days. It will be important to have a probing examination on the present trend in order to revert to the traditional values of life. It will also be extremely important to deduce mechanisms to bring the sporting spirit back in life. Resources should not be an issue once the spirit comes back into the playfields.
Sports, as everyone knows, have been employed for ages as important tools to ‘exorcise’ bad blood between groups and peoples. They are also considered a panacea to lifestyle ailments. Above all, sports are an entertaining lot.
Sports which are generally classified as ‘modern sports’ and traditional, it is beneficial to promote both the categories. Though the ‘modern sports’ have bigger professional scopes, it is equally important for our society to engage in both the categories.
As part of the campaign to revive the sporting spirit of the Jammu and Kashmir life, seminars and talk programmes on the subject should be initiated, to begin with. Once the urge is kindled, things will become easier to be in the course.
Research programmes at varied levels to rediscover traditional sports of t that should also be part of the campaign. J&K chief secretary, Dr. Mehta remarked that the government will go the extra yard to hone the skills of youth and I am sure they have the potential to go a mile ahead of their competitors. He added that his statement is validated every time J&K athletes participate in national championships and emerge as medallists in various sports. Recently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during his address to sportspersons, at the first-ever national archery championship held at M.A. Stadium, Jammu said resources are being expanded to completely transform the sporting ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. ‘This year, 221 state-of-the-art playfields will be built in all 20 districts and 157 sports courts will be constructed & upgraded. A Multi-Purpose Indoor Sports Hall with world-class facilities will be constructed in almost all districts by the end of this financial year’.
There is ample need to revive the village’s traditional games. Slowly these are gaining momentum with the efforts of the present LG administration. ‘My Youth My Pride’ continues to add spark to the playfields and indoor halls across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This stepping stone shall help young talent to achieve many milestones in the future. Pr. Secretary Alok Kumar’s e-launching of YSS Cup 2022 Involving PRIs in Sports activities is a welcome step.