Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said his Government will leave no stone unturned in honouring sportspersons. He assured maximum cooperation to talented players. Chouhan was addressing Shikhar Khel Alankaran Samaroh-2013 at TT Nagar Stadium here on Wednesday.
Chouhan said it was his cherished desire that players of the State won medals in Olympics. The Government would provide all assistance and facilities for their respective events. The Government would also extend cooperation in providing them jobs and self-employment opportunities. He offered job of Boxing Academy’s advisor to Olympic medallist MC Mary Kom. Chouhan also extended Janmashtami greetings to all.
On the occasion, Chouhan honoured Olympics bronze medallist Mary Kom and State’s shooter Rajkumari Rathore, who has been selected for Arjuna Award. He released a souvenir focusing on State’s players.
He conferred Eklavya award on players, Vikram Award on nine players and Vishwamitra Awards on three coaches. Prabhash Joshi Award-2013 instituted this year by the State Government was conferred on Malkhamb player Ajay Vakttariya and lifetime Achievement Award for year 2013 to Rl Verma. At the outset, Chief Minister Chouhan garlanded a photograph of late Major Dhyanchand.
Mary Kom urged women to come forward to participate in sports. Giving example of herself and Rajkumari Rathore, she sought to motivate woman players. She said that Madhya Pradesh government was extending unprecedented support to woman players. Women should avail this opportunity. Rathore expressed gratitude towards the State Government for cooperating with sportspersons. Director, Sports, Shailendra Shrivastava threw light on Sports Awards Ceremony.
He said that Vikram Awardees for 2012 were also being given certificates and appointment letters. He said the next batch under ‘Maa Tujhe Pranam Yojana’ would be sent soon. The Director, Sports presented mementoes to the guests.
MlAs Dhruv Narayan Singh and Jitendra Bundela, Principal Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare, M Mohan Rao, Mary Kom and a large number of sports persons, office-bearers of sports federations and sports-lovers were present on the occasion.