Major Dhyan Chand is only “ Shining Star” in the sporting world and lauded his role in Hockey arena – Ajay Maken

Published on August 30, 2011 by News Desk   ·   No Comments  Print This Post

INVC,,

Delhi,,

Today is the 106th birth anniversary of the hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and this day is also celebrated as the National Sports Day. To mark this occasion, Shri Ajay Maken Union Minister ( I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports , Shri Arun Yadav, MP & President of Jawahar Lal Nehru Hockey Society joined with other hockey Olympians , National Sports Awardees , officials of Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India in paying homage to hockey legend by offering floral tributes on Major Dhyan Chand’s statute in National Stadium here today evening.

On the occasion, Shri Maken presented a cheque of financial assistance of Rs 5,61,701 to the wife of Late Shri V.J.Peter , Ex-Olympion , who represented Indian Hockey Team in 1960, 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games . The financial support was sponsored by Jawahar Lal Nehru Hockey Society , coaches and players.

Speaking on the occasion , Shri Maken stated that Late Major Dhyan Chand is only “ Shining Star” in the sporting world and lauded his role in Hockey arena. He also complimented the National Sports Awardees for bringing glory to the country for their outstanding performances in their respective sports. Recognizing utilization of world class sporting infrastructure created in the country by sportspersons as biggest challenge, Shri Maken said the Sports Ministry decided that the Sports Authority of India ( SAI)’s stadia would be only used for sports purposes . Keeping this in view, Shri Maken said that “Come & Play” Scheme was launched in Delhi and at present more than 12,000 students are getting benefit under this Scheme. In order to spread this Scheme further , the directions have been given to SAI to open all other centres located all over country to the local public . This will help in spreading sporting culture in the country. Unless sporting culture is developed in the country, we won’t get medals, Shri Maken added. He also stressed the need to make sports as a part of curriculum in the schools. Shri Maken also highlighted the recent initiatives taken by the Ministry like demerger of National Institute of Sports , Patiala from SAI and proposal to establish National Institute of Sports Science . Shri Maken stated that benefits of above initiatives can be availed by the sportspersons provided reforms for enhancing transparency & accountability in functioning Sports Federations are implemented.

Shri Arun Yadav, MP & President of Jawahar Lal Nehru Hockey Society , Shri Desh Deepak Verma , DG ,SAI and Shri Gagan Narang , winner of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award this year also spoke on the occasion .

Earlier in the morning, the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and other National Sports and Adventure Awards for the year 2011 to the eminent sportspersons & coaches at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan .

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