SURAT, 12 October: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed participants at the closing ceremony of the 36th National Games held in Surat, Gujarat, today. On this occasion the Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Members of Parliament, Ministers of the Government of Gujarat and MLAs were also present.
On this occasion, speaking about the outstanding performance of the sportspersons, Shri Birla said that the energy and the sportsman spirit of the athletes’ guide them in every walk of life. Shri Birla added that whether in politics, business or education or any other field, sportsmanship teaches one accept competition in a positive manner so as to always keep moving forward without any illwill towards anyone. Shri Birla underlined that teamwork results through participation in sports.
Expressing happiness that for the first time this year, traditional Yogasan and Malkhamb have been included in the National Games, Shri Birla said that all Indians are proud of these sports as they are part of our heritage. On Government’s initiatives to promote sports, Shri Birla said that the Government’s dedication towards sports has boosted the spirits of all athletes.
Referring to nation’s rising profile in sports, Shri Birla said that Indian sportspersons are winning a large number of medals at national and international levels and their efforts have earned the tricolor global recognition in the field of sports. He added that apart from sports, India has created its own identity in the whole world through yoga. Now, crores of people are enjoying healthier lives through yoga all over the world and every year around 200 countries in the world celebrate International Yoga Day, which is a matter of pride for all Indians.
Speaking about the unity in diversity of the country, Shri Birla said that young players of different cultures, speaking different languages, from different states of the country, have a complete dedication towards sports, which guides the nation to move towards unity, fraternity and harmony. Shri Birla said that sports are very important for our all-round development, which builds character along with physical and intellectual ability.
Referring to the increasing participation of women in every field including sports, Shri Birla said that nation’s daughters are making India proud not only in sports but in every sphere of society, in education, in science, in technology etc. He expressed happiness that women sportspersons of India have continuously brought glory to the country at the national and international level.
Referring to the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Shri Birla said that on the occasion of completion of 75 years of independence, all Indians must take a pledge to take the country forward with more energy. He added that in this Amrit Kaal, there must have a resolve to move forward in this direction by realizing the spirit of sports in every sphere of life.
On events like Khelo India, Fit India, University Games, etc, Shri Birla said that such campaigns have given a new direction and energy to our young generation, and with the efforts of the government, sports can also be played at the grassroots level. Everyone is getting an opportunity to showcase their talent in sports, and a platform to showcase their skills. Shri Birla expressed confidence that India with a healthy population, capable youth, strong determination and iron willpower will lead the world today. Shri Birla expressed confidence that sports and sportspersons of India will play a big role in giving the nation a new identity on the world stage in the times to come.
Captions of Photograph:
Lok Sabha Speaker giving away Best Athlete in the Women’s category to Ms. Harshika Ramchandran on the Closing ceremony of the 36th National Games in Surat on 12 October, 2022.
