Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates 38th National Games In Dehradun
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games on Tuesday at the opening ceremony held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun. 38th National Games Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony of the 38th National Games was marked with a special moment when Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen carried the National Games torch to the stage where Modi was joined by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other dignitaries. Modi Speaks At 38th National Games Opening Ceremony During his speech to the spirited audience, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the relevance of the National Games, as it marks a milestone for the state of Uttarakhand. Modi talked about how different sporting initiatives, like the Khelo India Youth Games, had helped young athletes shine in their performances. He also referred to the University Games, where university students are given an opportunity to display their skills, and the Khelo India Para Games, which have helped improve the performance of Para athletes. Support For Athletes And Infrastructure Reflecting on the recently held 5th edition of Khelo India Winter Games at Ladakh and the Beach Games held last year, Modi was confident in his opinion about India’s athletes. He mentioned how the Government continuously supported sports throughout the last ten years, even stating that sports’ budget increased more than tripled in ten years. The Prime Minister also referred to the TOPS scheme through which hundreds of crores of rupees had been invested in athletes and efforts on to create modern sports infrastructure all over the country. Mainstreaming Sports In Schools And Universities Modi further emphasized mainstreaming sports in schools and India’s first sports university opening in Manipur. Athlete Participation At 38th National Games The 38th National Games, scheduled for 18 days, will be attended by around 10,000 athletes and officials of teams from 38 states. Besides Dehradun, the following cities will be hosting events: Haridwar, Nainital, Haldwani, Rudrapur, Shivpuri and New Tehri. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Shri Dinesh Lad’s Plea For A Cricket Ground: A Call to Empower Young Athletes
Shri Dinesh Lad, the cricket coach and mentor to India’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma, has made a heartfelt appeal to honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Mr. Lad, who has spent the last 28 years of his life coaching young cricket talent, is asking for a proper cricket ground to help develop future cricket stars. For nearly three decades, Mr. Lad has dedicated himself to coaching at Swami Vivekananda School in Borivali without charging any fees. Under his guidance, 92 students have represented Mumbai at the state level, and ten have played for Mumbai in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. Despite these successes, Mr. Lad faces a significant challenge: the school’s cricket ground is too small for proper training and development. “I appeal to honorable PM Narendra Modi to grant me a good cricket ground,” Shri Lad said. “I have been working in the cricket coaching field for the last 28 years, and I have never expected anything while working nor did I ever take money from anyone. The school that I coach has had 92 students play for the Mumbai state and ten of them played for Mumbai in Ranji but I don’t have a ground. The ground in that school is tiny.“ The lack of proper playgrounds in Mumbai, a bustling city with limited space, is a pressing issue. This scarcity hampers the growth of children and aspiring athletes who need adequate facilities to hone their skills. Mr. Lad’s plea highlights a broader problem faced by many coaches and young sports enthusiasts in the city. “I have applied for a ground in Borivali, and if I get that ground, I promise you I will be able to give more kids to represent the nation,” Mr. Lad continued. His commitment to nurturing talent goes beyond his school. He has adopted ten children from rural areas, hoping to give them the same opportunities he has provided to his students at Swami Vivekananda School. “If I get a ground, I would be able to work better,” he added. Shri Dinesh Lad’s appeal is a reflection of his dedication to cricket and his commitment in fostering new talent right on the grassroots level. His request for a cricket ground is not just a personal need but a crucial step toward providing young athletes with the resources they need to succeed. The lack of playgrounds in Mumbai, over the time, has become a major barrier that has been preventing many children from reaching their full potential in sports. By granting Shri Lad a cricket ground, the Government would recognize his invaluable contributions to Indian cricket and invest in the sport’s future. Providing adequate training facilities is essential for developing young athletes who could represent the nation on the international stage. Shri Dinesh Lad’s appeal to Prime Minister Modi highlights a critical issue facing Mumbai’s sports infrastructure. His selfless dedication to coaching and commitment to nurturing young talent make his request a deserving cause. Addressing the lack of playgrounds and sports facilities is vital for the growth of cricket and other sports in the city. It is an investment in the dreams and aspirations of countless young athletes who, given the right opportunities, could become the future stars of Indian sports. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Virat Kohli’s Heartfelt Message to PM Narendra Modi Before Mumbai Victory Parade
Virat Kohli and his fellow team-mates from the Indian Cricket Team received a grand welcome from their passionate supporters and cricket fans on their arrival back to India post the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. After being stranded for three days in the Caribbean due to Hurricane Beryl, Rohit Sharma’s Team India finally made it home today. Air India’s special charter flight, dubbed Air India Champions 24 World Cup (AIC24WC), touched down in the national capital early in the morning. Despite the challenging weather conditions in Delhi, hundreds of Team India supporters gathered outside the airport, waving the national flag and holding special placards to greet the World Cup heroes. Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the Team India squad at his Delhi residence, engaging in memorable conversations with superstars like Kohli, Rohit, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant. Virat Kohli’s Special Message to PM Narendra Modi https://www.instagram.com/p/C8_ohdORG-n/?igsh=MTVoYXB5NWg1bnljZg%3D%3D&img_index=1 On Instagram, the former India skipper shared a heartfelt message for PM Modi. “What a great honour meeting our honourable prime minister shri narendra modi ji today @narendramodi. Thank you sir for inviting us to the prime minister’s residence,” wrote Kohli, who played a match-winning knock of 76 for India in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Kohli, Rohit, and the World Cup-winning team members wore Indian jerseys emblazoned with “Champions” during their visit to PM Modi’s Delhi residence. PM Modi’s Memorable Chat with the Champions Indian Prime Minister Modi posed for a photograph with Rohit Sharma’s Team India before engaging in a lively conversation with the players. “An excellent meeting with our Champions! Hosted the World Cup-winning team at 7, LKM, and had a memorable conversation on their experiences through the tournament,” PM Modi remarked. What’s Next for the World Cup Heroes? After meeting the Indian Prime Minister in Delhi, Team India is heading to Mumbai for an open bus roadshow, which will be followed by a felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium in the evening. The Sportz Planet Desk, Atharva Shetye