नवीनतम
MP: Three-day sports festival kicks off in Bhopal
BHOPAL [Maha Media]: On the occasion of National Sports Day falling on Friday, Madhya Pradesh’s Cooperation, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister, Vishvas Kailash Sarang, paid floral tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyanchand at a special event organised at the TT Nagar stadium in Bhopal. Describing Dhyanchand as the “wizard of hockey”, Sarang said his life exemplified courage, discipline and sportsmanship that continue to inspire generations.
He also administered the Fit India Pledge to athletes and joined them in a tug-of-war under the “Play One Hour” campaign. The minister later visited the Martial Arts Academy located at TT Nagar Stadium.
Positive momentum in sports under PM Modi, opines Minister
Highlighting India’s progress in sports, Minister Sarang credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for creating a nationwide positive environment. Initiatives such as Fit India Movement and Khelo India have instilled awareness about fitness and sports across all age groups, he noted.
“Athletes are now receiving world-class training facilities, enabling them to excel at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics,” he said. According to the minister, the sporting culture has reached even remote villages, giving India a new identity on the global stage.
Sarang emphasised that Madhya Pradesh, once considered weak in sports, is now among the country’s top three performing states. The goal, he said, is to make it India’s number one sports state through advanced infrastructure, academies, trained coaches and improved facilities. He added that efforts are underway to identify talent at school and college levels and nurture them for international success.
During the programme, Sarang interacted with athletes participating in sprint races, football, pole vault and other events. A friendly tug-of-war match was also held between Madhya Pradesh’s water sports and hockey teams, with the water sports side emerging victorious. The minister inspected wrestling, boxing and fencing facilities at the Martial Arts Academy.
As part of the three-day National Sports Day celebrations, a seminar on sports psychology, injuries and anti-doping awareness is scheduled for August 30, 2025, at Narmada Club, followed by a women’s football match. On August 31, 2025, a “Sunday on Cycle” rally will be organised in Bhopal from Raja Bhoj Setu to the Water Sports Academy.
