India will be a sports powerhouse in the coming years. India with the largest youth population aims to secure a place among the top ten leading medal winners at the Olympics under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. To fulfill this ambitious dream, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs will organize four major national events every year under Khelo India programme. The four events under the tag of Khelo India are Youth games, University games, School games and Indigenous sports or sports for disable persons, says Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju.
While addressing the launching ceremony of first Khelo India University Games in Bhubaneswar, Shri Rijiju said ‘One state One sport’ plan will be implemented soon under which every State will adopt and nourish a particular sport of its choice and potential. The central government will provide all financial support for this scheme whereas the state government will provide the infrastructure and other logistic support. With the cooperation of both State and centre, team India will bring laurels for the Nation in all major sporting events, said the Minister.
Addressing the occasion, Union Minister for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Steel, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said, rural and tribal Odisha is the hub of talents. The sports clubs and youth associations located in rural areas have huge potential. All efforts should be made to spot out those talents and provide them training and opportunities. He said the first Khelo India University Games launched from Odisha will set the stage for hunting of talent and development of sports in the country.
Union HRD Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said, Odisha is known for its art, culture, heritage and sports. Any event that starts from this historic land will definitely touch all heights of success. ‘I am sure this event will play a big role in producing future sports star for our Nation’, he added. The Minister further said, Government is committed to set up the facilities and ambience in Universities and Colleges for development of Sports.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest of the event, Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik said, Odisha in the recent years has emerged as the sports capital of India. Odisha has successfully hosted several major sports events and produced many famous sports star of the country. The state Government is committed to provide all possible support for development of sports, he added.
The State Higher education and agriculture minister Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo, Sports and youth services minister Shri Tusharkanti Behera, MP Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Union Sports & Youth Affairs Secretary Radhey Shyam Julaniya, State Sports secretary Vishal Dev were present on the occasion. The Indian Men’s Hockey team, famous athletes and sports enthusiasts were also present. The mascot, schedule, jersey and logo of the event were launched by the dignitaries.
