Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Central Government will be urged to hold National Games at Bhopal. All necessary arrangements for the event will also be made. Chouhan was addressing Madhya Pradesh Shikhar Khel Samman function at TT Nagar Stadium here on Tuesday. He presented `50 lakh prize to Olympic medalist Sushri Saina Nehwal and `50 lakh scholarship to Madhya Pradesh’s young shooter Varsha Berman.
Congratulating Saina Nehwal, the Chief Minister hoped that she would continue to bring laurels to the country. He said that all facilities will be given to players of Madhya Pradesh so that talents like Saina Nehwal and Sushil Kumar come up in the State. Every player should practice with passion and dedication. Rest of their needs will be fulfilled by the State Government. Players will be looked after in State’s sports academies.
He said that there is no lack of funds for sports in the State. Victory in sports is a matter of pride for the country. Therefore, annual sports budget in the State has been increased from a mere `4 crore to `150 crore.
He said that players of Madhya Pradesh are continuously bringing laurels to the state. Five players from the state took part in India’s junior hockey team and gave significant contribution in the country’s victory. He said that players will now have to focus their attention on Olympics 2020.
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia while congratulating the awardees said that progress and development are accelerated with right kind of leadership. It is becoming manifest in Madhya Pradesh.
State’s 17 sports academies have brightened name of Madhya Pradesh. Karate academy has emerged national champion for ninth time. Boating academy has got better of Army’s team. Wrestling is also seeing rapid development under coaching of Sushil Kumar.
She said that the department is making constant efforts to promote State Sport Malkhamb. Saina Nehwal said that she was much pleased to see sports academies of the State.
She said that she is enthusiastic after meeting young players, who hold immense potential. The way the State Government is promoting and boosting morale of players, is a matter of great pleasure. She said that Chief Minister Chouhan encourages players and sports a lot.