The State-level Gurunanak Dev Ji Provincial Olympic Sports Competition was inaugurated on Saturday.
State Revenue and Transport Minister, Govind Singh Rajput, inaugurated the competition. Public Relations Minister P.C Sharma, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Jitu Patwari, former Union Minister Arun Yadav and Padma Olympian archer Deepika Kumari were also present. Attractive fireworks were also performed on the occasion.
Along with the spectacular presentation of Mallakhamba players at the function, players from ten divisions of the State made an attractive march past. In the ceremony, medal winners of Khelo India Youth Games were honoured by providing incentives.
Jitu Patwari encouraged the players and also said that various schemes are launched by Government for the players. Addressing the function, Public Relations Minister P.C. Sharma told the players not to be afraid of the struggle because to win they also have to face defeat.
While addressing the function, Padmashree Olympian archer Deepika Kumari commended the Madhya Pradesh government for the excellent facilities being provided to the players, while she gave tips for the players to make a career in sports. She said that when she started the archery game in the year 2007, there were not so many sports facilities and equipment but she did not give up. She said that players must take advantage of the opportunity.
Director Sports and Youth Welfare Thoussen said in the welcome address that the vision of governance for the provincial Olympic Games is to prepare the talent of the state for the Commonwealth, Asian and Olympics apart from traditional sports and provide them maximum opportunities for talent performance.
He informed that from February 1 to 7, a state level Gurunanak Dev Ji Provincial Olympic Games competition is being organised in which players from ten divisions are participating in ten sports.
Under the competition, the first group competed for volleyball, football, wrestling, badminton and kabaddi from 1 to 3 February and first day knock-out matches were played.