Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar today said that the sporting events act as a great national unifier with the athletes from across the states coming together and building lifelong relationships and a strong sense of camaraderie among them.
Addressing the Closing Ceremony of 36th National Games at Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Indoor Stadium in Surat, he expressed hope that athletes will carry fond memories and a new enthused spirit of nationalism from here.
Referring to the remarkable growth of sporting infrastructure in the country over the last few years, Dhankhar expressed confidence that “the day is not far when Bharat will host the Olympics.” Praising the vision of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, he said that all efforts are being made to provide right opportunities and proper grooming to budding sporting talent in the country.
The new sporting culture driven by merit and fair selection is a game changer, he added. He mentioned the heart-warming incident when the Prime Minister personally spoke to every member of Indian Woman’s Hockey Team after they narrowly missed a medal at Tokyo Olympics, and emphasised that “more than victory or defeat, it is the sportsmanship that matters.”
Praising Gujarat’s contribution to national development, he said that “historic contributions have been made in pre-independent and post independent era by sons of Gujarat.”
Dhankhar & Dr Sudesh Dhankhar who arrived in Surat on a three-day tour were welcomed by Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat along with the Ministers from the Government of Gujarat and others at the Surat airport.
More than 14, 500 sportspersons, coaches and officials from all States and Union Territories participated in this year’s National Games which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on September 29.
