NEW DELHI: Vice-president of India M Venkaiah Naidu has called upon corporates, philanthropists and eminent sports personalities in India to supplement the efforts of the government in building sports infrastructure, especially in the northeastern region.
He said the government’s efforts to improve sports facilities must be supported by one and all.
Interacting with about 20 young boxers from Mary Kom’s Regional Boxing Foundation in Imphal, Manipur, who are on a "National Interactive Tour" organised by the 15 Assam Rifles, here Monday, Naidu said that there was an urgent need to create the necessary environment for sportsmanship to thrive in the country to make India a global sports superpower.
The vice-president lauded the government of India for launching Khelo India campaign to identify, encourage and support sporting talent from all corners of the country by giving them top-notch infrastructure and training of the highest level.
“There is an urgent need to take this to the grass-root level and create a strong framework for all types of sports in the country and make India a great sporting nation,” he added.
Pointing out that staying fit and staying healthy would have a bearing on the well being of a person, family and the society at large, he said: “A youthful nation such as ours with more than 65% of the population under the age of 30 must encourage the children, the youth and the elders to stay fit by doing any form of physical activity.”
Stating that travelling was an essential part of life and it teaches many things that could not be taught in the classroom, the vice-president asked youngsters, especially students to undertake ‘Bharat Dashan’ to learn about various facets of India’s culture, heritage, languages, and cuisine.
The vice-president showered special appreciation to Mary Kom and her husband K Onler Kom for establishing Regional Boxing Foundation to train children and youth from remote and far-flung areas of Manipur and other North-Eastern parts.
He complimented the 15 Assam Rifles for organizing the tour for these boxers.
- Log in to post comments