TNR News Network
Kangra
On the occasion of International Olympic Day, the District Kangra Olympic Association organized a special program that brought together sports enthusiasts, players, coaches, and representatives of various sports organizations. The event was graced by Kumar Sumit, member of the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association and former HPCA secretary, as the chief guest. Association President and Basketball Federation State President Munish Sharma, along with former Zila Parishad Chairman Ramesh Barar, also addressed the gathering.
Welcoming the participants, Munish Sharma highlighted the significance of the event, while Satyender extended greetings to the chief guest and dignitaries.
Addressing the youth, Kumar Sumit called upon them to stay away from social evils such as drug abuse and instead embrace sports as a way of life. He emphasized that sports not only ensure physical fitness but also instill discipline, confidence, leadership, and positive thinking. He urged young athletes to rise above casteism, regionalism, and narrow ideologies, and strive to establish themselves as professional players on the global stage.
Sumit underlined that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) logo symbolizes unity, sportsmanship, and universal brotherhood. He noted that the Olympic movement aims to connect nations, cultures, and societies through sports, promoting peace, cooperation, and goodwill. “Sports are the most effective medium to keep youth away from drugs and other social evils,” he said.
Highlighting India’s progress in sports under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sumit praised initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), chaired by Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, which has provided world-class facilities to Indian athletes. He mentioned the involvement of stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Abhinav Bindra in guiding young talent. He further noted that schemes like Khelo India and Fit India have expanded the country’s sports culture, engaging lakhs of youth and nurturing future champions.
Citing achievements, Sumit pointed out India’s medal tallies: 66 and 61 medals in the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games respectively, 70 medals in the 2018 Asian Games, and a record 107 medals in the 2022 edition. He also lauded India’s improving performance in the Paralympics.
Sumit acknowledged that while much has been done, more efforts are needed. He appreciated former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur’s decision to provide 3% reservation in government jobs for outstanding athletes and increase the sports budget. He also welcomed the current state government’s move to enhance prize money for winners of Olympic, Asian, and Commonwealth Games.
He reminded the audience that International Olympic Day was first celebrated in 1948 in nine countries, and since 1987, it has been marked worldwide with Olympic Day Runs and sports activities. The Kangra Olympic Association’s program was part of this global tradition.
The event concluded with a call to youth to actively participate in sports, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and bring glory to the nation and the state. Association officials expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed their commitment to raising awareness about sports.
Prominent attendees included District Olympic Association President Satyender Trehan, HPCA Joint Secretary Vishal Sharma, Vivek Dhiman, Varinder Chaudhary, ZP member Ishan and Vinod Barar, Shubham (Councillor), Vinod Sharma, Suresh, Rinku Chaudhary, Mona Walia, Charanjit Purewal, Pawan Kumar, and Sanjeev Ratna.
