A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday between the Departments of Sports and Education, Chandigarh Administration and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust to make Chandigarh a sports hub.
"With this, UT Chandigarh becomes the first Union Territory to sign such an MoU and first in the country across all UTs/States to implement such a MOU across all government schools in the jurisdiction. With the signing of the MoU with Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust, the Chandigarh Administration has introduced Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) in the government schools of UT Chandigarh," a statement said.
Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor Punjab & Administrator UT Chandigarh, Rajeev Verma, Adviser to Administrator and Olympics Gold medallist Abhinav Bindra were present on the occasion. The MoU has the approval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), one of the world’s most prestigious sporting bodies and they are partnering with city’s government schools. The IOC’s endorsement brings global recognition and sets high standards for the city’s sports initiatives.
A video message from Frederique Jamolli, Head of International Cultural Affairs, International Olympic Committee (IOC) and a short video on Olympic Value Education Program (OVEP) were also played during the MoU signing event. "The programs like OVEP shall foster essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and respect, helping students become responsible citizens with potential long-term community benefits, including increased sports participation, healthier lifestyles, and social cohesion," the statement added.
Kataria said that Abhinav Bindra’s contribution as India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist is unparalleled and lauded the commitment of Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust in strengthening grassroots sports through the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP). He added that a child’s personality is built mostly outside the classroom and sports play an important role where he learns sportsmanship, determination, teamwork, brotherhood and respect for others. Enhancing sports will play a crucial role in fighting against the drug menace in Punjab region, he added.
Abhinav Bindra emphasised that the NEP framework makes it mandatory for schools to include sports and physical education and today is an important step in shaping the children better, ensuring the children of Chandigarh are fit and healthy and ready to compete at the global level. He urged all the stakeholders including teachers, sports coaches, local clubs, and parents, to embrace and sustain values-based sports initiatives that will help in building ongoing partnerships with both national and international organizations to continually elevate Chandigarh’s standing in sports and education.
Bindra added that by weaving the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect into our schools, we can nurture a generation that not only excels on the field but also carries dignity, integrity, and empathy into every aspect of life. "Chandigarh’s progressive spirit is the perfect launchpad for this transformative journey, and through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, we will continually strive to expand and strengthen this mission—empowering future leaders who embody the true essence of sportsmanship," he added.
