PM lauds performance of MP’s contingent at maiden multi-sports beach games held in Diu

Bhopal: Prime minister Narendra Modi lauded Madhya Pradesh's outstanding performance in the country's first multi-sport beach games held at Diu early this year.
During his address under the "Mann Ki Baat", he expressed happiness over development of new platforms in India that provide athletes with opportunities. The beach games underline such platforms, he said. PM said that the beach games held early in the year were India's first multi-sport games of its kind, featuring competitions like tug of war, sea swimming, pancake silt, rowing, beach volleyball, beach kabaddi, beach soccer, and beach boxing, providing ample opportunities for athletes to show their talents.
The PM remarked, many athletes from states geographically far away from the sea participated in the tournament.Madhya Pradesh won medals. There are no beaches here. The enthusiasm for sports makes the country a leader in sports.
Chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav, recognising immense potential for water sports in Bhopal and other cities, has asked to take necessary steps to establish MP as a water sports hub.
CM Yadav listened to the 109th episode of "Mann Ki Baat" at Jaipur Airport on Sunday . He said that PM Modi has given a new direction and energy to the country. Considering the immense potential of water sports in Bhopal and other cities, Yadav has directed authorities concerned to take necessary steps to make MP a water sports hub.
Yadav said that PM Modi, by praising the people who are engaged in rebuilding the nation, inspires common people to contribute to the development of the nation. He further said that India is progressing rapidly in every field under the able leadership of PM. We are committed to taking the country to new heights under the PM's guidance.
Significantly, efforts are underway to promote water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, and rowing, by establishing an international hub in the Upper Lake of Bhopal. After Pune, Bhopal will become the second major water sports hub in the country, hosting international competitions. Boat parks will be available for athletes and training will be imparted in two phases. About 300 athletes practice in the Lower and Upper Lake of Bhopal. Once it becomes a water sports hub, they will all converge in one place.
Besides Bhopal, various districts and cities have been identified for developing water sports facilities. For example, Gauri Sarovar Lake in Bhind city is holding a state-level dragon boat competition. The advent of dragon boats on the waters of Gauri Sarovar is a boon for Bhind. Canoeing training has begun, attracting national and international players and enthusiasts to Gauri Sarovar for training, said an official press release issued here on Sunday.