The unveiling of a brand-new Mondo track at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday renewed the resolve to make India a sporting superpower, marking the opening day of the three-day National Sports Day celebrations across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Japan right now, took to social media to pay tributes to Dhyan Chand on his 120th birth anniversary. The hockey wizard earned India three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936 with his extraordinary ball control skills and goal-scoring ability. The PM also reiterated the government's commitment to make India a "global hub for sporting excellence".
"In the last decade, India's sporting landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. From grassroots programmes that nurture young talent to creating world-class facilities, we are seeing a vibrant sports ecosystem in our nation. Our government remains committed to supporting athletes, building infrastructure and making India a global hub for sporting excellence," Modi said in his post.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya paid floral tributes to Dhyan Chand's statue at the National Stadium here before inaugurating the Mondo track at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium.
The track, which is made of two-layered vulcanised rubber, has been widely lauded for its uniform elasticity, shock absorption and anti-slip qualities, which enhance the performance of athletes and reduce the risk of injury. It has been laid keeping in view the World Para-Athletics Championship from September 26 to October 5.
Mandaviya then engaged in sporting action by playing football and cricket with the guests and media amid a heavy downpour. "By passing the Sports Governance Bill, the Centre has worked towards placing India among the top sporting nations,” said the minister in a social media post.
President Droupadi Murmu also met young sportspersons at the Rashtrapati Bhawan's Amrit Udyan, while India's iconic sportspersons Sachin Tendulkar and Abhinav Bindra shared their views on the country's sporting growth. "On National Sports Day this year, I urge everyone to celebrate our athletes, pick up a sport or try some exercise, and take the first step toward healthier minds and bodies. "Interest, talent and opportunities to participate in sports come in different arenas, and all athletes deserve our admiration and respect both for participating and for the hard work and persistence required to excel," said the cricketing icon.
Bindra, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist in 10m air rifle shooting, said he hopes the citizens of the country follow the Olympic values for the betterment of the nation. "On National Sports Day my thoughts are with every Indian athlete, known and unknown, and with all those who silently carry them forward—parents, coaches, teachers, physios, friends. Sport teaches us to strive, to respect, to stand together. May Olympic values guide not just our athletes, but all of us as a nation," said Bindra.
As part of the National Sports Day celebrations, the Sports Authority of India's Regional Centres will conduct debates, talks, competitions and panel discussions on sports, and Fit India carnival-style events across the country on Saturday. On August 31, the “Sundays on Cycle” event under the theme of National Sports Movement will be held.
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