Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that more than 400 para swimmers from 26 states, including 100 women, are participating in the 26th National Para Swimming Championship being held in Bhopal. Their participation reflects the extraordinary courage, talent and determination of the athletes.
The Chief Minister also appreciated Padma Shri awardee Shri Satyendra Singh Lohiya for bringing recognition to Madhya Pradesh through his outstanding achievements in sports.
CDr. Yadav was speaking at the inauguration of the 26th National Para Swimming Championship at Prakash Tarun Pushkar in Bhopal on Friday. He interacted with the participating swimmers and encouraged them. He also felicitated athletes who have brought honour to the country and the state through their outstanding performances at national and international levels by presenting them with angavastrams.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Bhopal is emerging as a hub for water sports. After hosting kayaking, canoeing and rowing competitions, the city has now also hosted sailing competitions at the Upper Lake. The upcoming major Asian hockey event at the sports stadium in Barkheda Nathu will further enhance the state’s sporting profile.
The State Government is committed to increasing the number of major international sporting events in Madhya Pradesh. The state’s natural beauty, tourist destinations and rich culinary traditions have long attracted visitors from across India and abroad.
Every Youth Must Stay Fit for Healthy Nation: Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang said that sports are an important aspect of life. Despite physical disabilities, talented para athletes compete with remarkable determination and confidence on the sporting field. Para swimmers possess extraordinary abilities, just like other swimmers. Madhya Pradesh has now secured third position in national sporting competitions.
An international-standard sports stadium is being developed at Barkheda Nathu near Bhopal. For the first time, the state will host the Asian Women’s Hockey Championship from November 19, with teams from six Asian countries participating.
Chairman of the Para Swimming Federation of India, Shri Devendra Pratap Singh, said that Indian para athletes have been consistently improving the country’s medal tally at successive Paralympic events. A large number of swimmers and their family members attended the programme.
