President virtually confers National Sports and Adventure Award 2020 on the occasion of National Sports Day
By Andalib Akhter / NEW DELHI
President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed confidence that with everyone’s collective efforts, India will emerge as a sporting superpower.
Speaking during the sports awards ceremony President said that India has the goal to be in the Top Ten Podium Finisher Countries in the 2028 Olympic Games. The President said, we will definitely achieve this goal.
He said, it is noteworthy that among the five sportspersons who have received the Khel-Ratna award, are three daughters – Manika Batra, Vinesh and Rani and a para-athlete.
Mr Kovind said that excellence and achievements in sports are not only the responsibility of the government. He said, the culture of sports can be promoted only by the participation of people of every class and region.
The President expressed happiness that sports and fitness are now becoming a part of the thinking and routine of the youth. He said, parents-guardians and teachers are also changing their attitude towards sports.
Mr Kovind expressed confidence that with everyone’s collective efforts, India will emerge as a sporting superpower. He said, India has the goal to be in the Top Ten Podium Finisher Countries in the 2028 Olympic Games. The President said, we will definitely achieve this goal.
President virtually conferred the National Sports and Adventure Award 2020 on the occasion of National Sports Day. Mr Kovind presented Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award, Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar.
Paying tributes to Major Dhyanchand, the President said, he is a role model for sportsperson as well as all other countrymen. Mr Kovind said, Major Dhyanchand got extraordinary achievements in the field of hockey with his dedication and skill amidst the simple surroundings and facilities.
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and several other dignitaries attended the ceremony from Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
The Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four years; Arjuna Award is given for consistent outstanding performance for four years; Dronacharya Award goes to the coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious international sports events; Dhyan Chand Award is for life time contribution to sports development and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is given to the corporate entities (both in private and public sector) and individuals who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development. Overall top performing university in inter-university tournaments is given Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy. In addition to these Sports Awards, the spirit of adventure among the people of the country is recognized by bestowing the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.