Lucknow, May 5 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that the Khelo India University Games will prove to be a milestone in promoting sports activities among the youth of the state.
While unveiling the logo, mascot, torch, anthem and jersey of the Khelo India University Games at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow, Yogi said, "Today UP is not only the state with the largest population, but every event held here inevitably grows to be the biggest. UP has been selected for the third edition of the Khelo India University Games and I can assure the central government that this will be the biggest event ever."
He said that this event will draw participants from 200 universities. "They will also get an opportunity to know, understand and learn about UP. The entire team of UP is ready to welcome them. For the launch of these games starting on May 25, I cordially invite the central government and all the states to become partners in these events and give their guidance," he said.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur, Transport Minister of UP Daya Shankar Singh and Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav were also present on the occasion.
The CM said, "You must all have noticed India's progress over the past nine years in every sector. The way the world views India has also changed. You must have noticed that every Indian citizen now exudes confidence. The Khelo India University Games is also a representation of how, over the past nine years, people's attitudes toward sports have changed."
He said, "A decade ago, public perception toward sports and sports persons was not favourable. Sport was considered an unnecessary task, a waste of time. Today, this perception has changed. The family members together encourage the child towards sports activities."
Yogi said that the body is the means of fulfillment of 'dharma' and a healthy body will be achieved by the one who lives by rules and restraint, stays in discipline. "Naturally, participating in these sports can help a person not only stay healthy but also empower society and the country. Khelo India Khelo and Fit India Movement are part of the same series," he said.
Citing the increasing awareness about sports in UP, he said that such programmes have been promoted in the state. "From the village to the district level, Sansad Khel Spardha events are also being planned in a grand manner. In rural areas, a lot of people are joining these events, men and women, boys and girls," he said.
The CM said, "I would like to thank Union Minister Anurag Thakur for accelerating this campaign after assuming the Sports Ministry. Today, Uttar Pradesh is fully ready to implement this vision of the Prime Minister on the ground."
Regarding the efforts of the state government to encourage sports in UP, he said that the government has started many programmes. "UP has taken forward the process of construction of a stadium in every district. The work of the mini stadium has started at the block level. The construction of sports grounds in 58,000 gram panchayats has gained momentum," he said.
Yogi pointed out that in order to further sports activities, a major programme of encouraging Yuvak Mangal Dal and Mahila Mangal Dal was taken forward by the Youth Welfare Department. "Till now, we have provided sports kits to 65,000 Yuvak Mangal Dal and Mahila Mangal Dal out of the total 85,000. Sports kits will be made available to the remaining 20,000 until next year," he said.
CM Yogi and Anurag Singh Thakur flagged off the torch relay. These four torches will travel through all the districts of UP and return to Lucknow on May 25.
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