Bhopal:Tuesday, February 2 : Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that intensive efforts are being undertaken for making the state fully equipped in sports facilities. He said that the state is giving attention to development of all the sports including hockey. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan was addressing the inaugural function of 18th All-India Forest Sports Competition this morning at TT Nagar Stadium here.
Shri Chouhan said that Indian players are talented. What is lacking is basic sports facilities. He said that sports are an inseparable part of life. He stressed the need for sportsman’s spirit in political arena also. Shri Chouhan said that at present sports are affected by politics, which is not good for sports as well as sportspersons.
Land will be given for Football Academy
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that the state government is ready to allot 30-acre land for establishment of a Football Academy by famous football player Baichung Bhutia. Shri Chouhan said that when he came to know that Shri Bhutia was looking for land for the academy then he asked Sports Director of the state to contact him. Responding to the state government’s offer Shri Bhutia has said that he will visit Bhopal soon.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that teams drawn from various states at the stadium are presenting the picture of mini India. He said that everyone living in Madhya Pradesh, whether from north or south, east or west, belongs to the state. All are sons of Mother India and there is no question of discrimination among them.
Forest Minister Shri Sartaj Singh welcomed the players. He said that Forest Department will also form its band like Police Band. Shri Singh also thanked the state government and its various departments for extending support in organising these games. The welcome address was delivered by Madhya Pradesh Laghu Vanopaj Vyapar Mahasangh managing director Shri RK Dave, who is also president of the organising committee. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri AK Dubey also addressed the function.
Earlier, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan unfurled a flag to declare the competition open. In the march past, the players offered salute to the chief guest while the Police Band gave a guard of honour to the Chief Minister. Additional Chief Conservator of Forests Shri AK Jain administered oath to players. Following this, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan lit the torch of the games and handed it over to Arjun Award winner player Tombi Devi. The torch was passed on to players of various states and then was installed at the stadium.
Earlier, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan was welcomed by Forest Minister Shri Sartaj Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Forest Shri MK Rai and Shri AK Dubey. Shri Dubey presented bouquets made of bamboo as a mark of welcome. Urban Administration and Development Minister Shri Babulal Gaur was welcomed by Shri HS Pabla. Finance Minister Shri Raghavji was welcomed by Shri SR Negi. Laghu Vanopaj Vyapar Mahasangh chairperson Shri Vishwas Sarang was welcomed by Shri AK Ansari, chairperson of State Forest Development Corporation Shri Guru Prasad Sharma was welcomed by Shri AK Jain while mayor Bhopal Smt. Krishna Gaur was welcomed by Shri PK Shukla.
In all, 33 teams from 21 states, four Union Territories and eight forestry institutions are taking part in the competition.