At the recent International Olympic Day event in Pune, Maharashtra’s Sports Minister Sanjay Bansode emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for boys and girls in sports across all countries. He declared that Maharashtra would spearhead this initiative in India, aiming to nurture gender equality in the sports field.
Speaking at the event organized by the Maharashtra Olympic Association in collaboration with the Maharashtra Directorate of Sports, Mr Bansode highlighted several new government decisions to bolster sports in the state. He expressed pride in the state’s athletes, who have shone brightly in competitions such as Khelo India and national championships. He noted that this pride was shared by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who has promptly increased the award amounts for these athletes.
Mr Bansode announced substantial funding boosts for sports infrastructure: Rs 5 crores for taluka-level sports complexes and Rs 10 crores for district-level facilities. Further, he assured that if Maharashtra’s athletes continued their impressive performances, these amounts would be tripled.
The minister also addressed the delay in the distribution of the Shiv Chhatrapati Awards due to legal disputes. He also assured that the awards would soon be distributed in a grand ceremony, as demanded by the Olympic Association.
Mr Bansode reiterated India’s enthusiasm for hosting the Olympic Games and expressed a strong desire to bring the event to Maharashtra. Underlining his commitment to athletes, he stated his priority was to identify and resolve the challenges faced by players. He also announced Rs 7 lakh in financial assistance for indoor sports facilities while extending his best wishes for Olympic Day.
Olympian shooter Anjali Bhagwat, who spoke at the event, underlined the significance of the Olympics. She emphasized the dedication and sacrifices athletes make to compete at the highest level, referring to the Olympics not just as an event but as a movement that symbolizes peak athletic achievement. Bhagwat stressed the importance of entrusting preparations to capable hands, as timely and efficient planning is crucial.
Former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay reciprocated these sentiments. He acknowledged the positive announcements from the sports minister but stressed the need to ensure that no athlete faces injustice.
The ceremony saw the presence of numerous Olympians and international athletes, including Dhanraj Pillay, Anjali Bhagwat, Devinder Valmiki, and Vikram Pillay. These athletes have significantly contributed to Indian sports, and their presence added gravitas to the event.
The day began with a sports rally that commenced from Lal Mahal, with participants paying homage to the statue of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The rally featured many athletes and sports organizers, setting a healthy tone for the day’s activities.
In a ceremony following the rally, Minister Sanjay Bansode honoured the attending Olympians. The event also showcased demonstrations of various sports, including Gymnastics, Wushu, Martial arts, Boxing, Taekwondo, Yogasana, and Mallakhamb. These displays highlighted the diverse sporting talents nurtured in Maharashtra.
Overall, the Olympic Day event in Pune was a celebration of sportsmanship and a reaffirmation of Maharashtra’s commitment to advancing sports infrastructure and support for athletes. Minister Sanjay Bansode’s announcements and the participation of respected athletes underscored a collective aspiration to elevate the standards and opportunities in sports, aiming for a future where Maharashtra stands at the forefront of India’s sporting achievements.
