70th National School Athletics meet opens in Shivpuri, Scindia says Madhya Pradesh excels in sport too

The 70th National School Athletics Championship began in Shivpuri on Thursday. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated it at the Madhavrao Scindia Sports Complex.

The competition is for boys up to 17 years of age. A total of 765 athletes from 38 teams, drawn from 28 states, 8 Union Territories and various education boards, are taking part. Scindia hoisted the flag and took the salute at the march past. He urged the athletes to perform to the best of their ability.

Speaking to the athletes, Scindia said the land of Madhya Pradesh is ahead in sport as well as in agriculture. According to him, this land has given the country many sportspersons who have brought glory to India at the national and international levels. He said the youth power of the country was seated here today, and one of these athletes would one day raise the honour of the tricolour on the Olympic podium.

Scindia said sport is not merely a way of displaying physical strength, and that it also builds discipline and leadership. He said it used to be said that if you played, you would drift away from studies, but today's India says that if you play, you will excel. He asked all the athletes to play with full effort and bring honour to their families, state and country.

After encouraging the athletes from the stage, Scindia went among the teams from different states and spoke to the athletes. He asked the Gujarat athletes in Gujarati, "Kem cho, maja ma ho ne?"

During the heats of the 100 metres, Scindia went onto the track. He started the race by calling "On your mark, set, go". He also had the athletes raise cheers of "Bharat Mata ki jai".

In his welcome address, District Education Officer Akash Singh Yadav welcomed the athletes who had come from across the country. Collector Arpit Verma and Superintendent of Police Yangchen Doklar Bhutia welcomed Scindia and pinned the competition badge on him.