Khel Mahakumbh: 2012
CM flags off Khel Mahakumbh torch rally from Gandhinagar
Rally to move across the State for 18 days
Swami Vivekananda Yuva Kendra will provide big stimulus to the KMK
21 lakh sportsperson registered
CM flags off Khel Mahakumbh (KMK) torch rally from Gandhinagar today. He expressed resolve to develop sports as an integral part of society rather than a mere competition.
The torch rally will move across Gujarat till next 18 days as a part of preparation of Khel Mahakumbh-2012/13, carrying the message ‘ramshe Gujarat, jitshe Gujarat’.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Modi expressed happiness that a record number of 21 lakh sportspersons has registered their names in about 21 different games in this year’s KMK. “Wining or losing is not important in a game. What is more important is a health atmosphere of sportsman spirit. The Khel Mahakumbh will lift up the sportsman spirit and will boost up the confidence of the players”, the Chief Minister said.
Chief Minister hailed the efforts of the organizers of KMK for making all the arrangements of the event in a short span of a week. He said that earlier the schools, society and people were indifferent to the sports, but the success of Khel Mahakumbh in last two years has changed this atmosphere. A qualitative change can be seen in all the dimensions of sports be it grounds, other sports facilities, policies, skills of the players or capacity building. The post of a sports teacher in the school has earned a new reputation. The sports teachers of the schools are also worthy of praise as they have contributed greatly in the successful organization KMK on such a large scale.
Mr.Modi said that Youth Services and Cultural Activities department was never given such an importance in the past. “But this government has put it in parallel to the departments like Finance, Industries and Agriculture. The state government is taking special interest in encouraging sports among youths”, he said. He also expressed desire to chalk out a sports policy and to start a sports school in every district.
He expressed happiness that a great zeal is seen among differently-abled children for the participation in KMK.
Giving highlights of the state’s current year’s celebration of ‘Yuva-Shakti Varsh’ to commemorate 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda the Chief Minister said that Yuva Kendras have been set up in all the villages and cities of Gujarat which will provide big stimulus to the KMK. He called upon players to take part in KMK with a healthy team spirit and create a positive sporting atmosphere all around.
Sports minister Raman Vora delivered welcome address. He expressed happiness that Gujarat is organizing the huge sporting event for the third consecutive year and that KMK has become a medium for all to sharpen their sporting talent.
Gandhinagar(south) MLA Shambhuji Thakor, Gandhinagar(north) MLA Ashokkumar Patel, GUDA Chairman Ashok Bhavsar, Khadi Gramodhyog Chairman Vadibhai Patel, Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Mahendrasinh Rana, Secretary to Youth and Cultural Department Bhagyesh Jha, Director General of Sports Authority of Gujarat Vikas Sahay, dignitaries, noted national and international players, sports enthusiastic and citizens in large number were present on the occasion.
