Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian said that by 2047, when India envisions itself as a fully developed nation, the country must emerge as a global leader not only in the economic sphere but also in the field of sports.

  

He was inaugurating the National Sports Day celebrations at the Water Sports Centre of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Alappuzha.

“Sportsmanship is a spirit that unites the world, and participation in sports is one of the noblest steps towards humanity,” the Minister observed. He noted that schemes like Khelo India, conceptualized by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aim to create world-class sports infrastructure across the country.

Sharing his vision with athletes, Shri Kurian said that as the most populous nation in the world, India aspires to secure the top position in the Olympics in the years ahead.

On the occasion, the Union Minister paid floral tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. He also felicitated the winners of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held in Srinagar, administered the Fit India Pledge, and flagged off the final match of the staff tug-of-war competition.

  

The event was attended by Shri Rajat Sharma, Assistant Director of the Alappuzha SAI Training Centre; Shri Saji Thomas, Chief Rowing Coach; and Shri L. Jayanta Kumar Singh, Senior Coach, among others.

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SK

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