District Sports Officer Shilpa Gupta interacts with young players during the launch of Krida Bharati Yamunanagar’s sports fortnight at Tejli Sports Complex.
National Sports Day celebrations begin at Tejli Sports Complex as officials and sports enthusiasts call for greater participation of children and youth in games
PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK YAMUNANAGAR
Krida Bharati Yamunanagar has launched a sports fortnight to mark National Sports Day and the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, with a hockey competition organised at the Tejli Sports Complex as part of the celebrations. A large number of young players participated in the event with enthusiasm, marking the beginning of a series of sports-related activities aimed at encouraging children and youth to take up regular physical activity.
District Sports Officer Shilpa Gupta attended the programme as the chief guest. She interacted with the participating players, introduced herself to them and encouraged them to participate actively in sports. Office-bearers of Krida Bharati, sports coaches, parents and a large number of sports enthusiasts were also present during the event.
The organisers said the sports fortnight is being conducted with the broader objective of creating awareness about the importance of sports and encouraging more children and young people to become connected with playgrounds. The initiative has been linked with National Sports Day and the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand, whose contribution to Indian hockey continues to inspire generations of sportspersons.
Speaking at the event, Shilpa Gupta said sports should not be viewed merely as a means of competition but as an important foundation for a healthy, disciplined and balanced life. She stressed the need to encourage children and young people to spend more time on playgrounds rather than remaining excessively dependent on mobile phones and other digital platforms.
She said changing lifestyles and increasing dependence on digital devices have made physical activity particularly important for the younger generation. According to her, regular participation in sports can help children develop discipline while also improving their physical fitness, confidence and ability to work with others.
Gupta appreciated the efforts being made by Krida Bharati to promote sports and urged players to participate regularly in sporting activities. She said sporting events at the local level can provide children with opportunities to identify their interests and develop their abilities under the guidance of coaches and experienced sportspersons.
She also encouraged parents to support their children in participating in sports alongside their academic activities. A balanced approach towards education and physical activity, she said, can contribute to the overall development of young people.
Krida Bharati North Region co-convener Dr Umesh Pratap Vats said India has no shortage of sporting talent and that the major requirement is to provide promising players with appropriate platforms, guidance and opportunities. He said many talented youngsters emerge from villages, small towns and urban neighbourhoods but require systematic support to progress to higher levels.
Vats said Krida Bharati aims to take sports to villages, towns and cities and identify new talent at the grassroots level. He said the organisation is working towards encouraging wider participation in sports and creating an environment in which young athletes can pursue their abilities with discipline and dedication.
He highlighted the importance of the vision of “Khelega Bharat–Swasth Bharat” and said its implementation requires participation from every section of society. Parents, coaches, educational institutions, social organisations and the players themselves all have a role to play in creating a stronger sporting culture.
Vats urged the participating players to remain committed to their training and to maintain discipline and sportsmanship. He said success in sports requires sustained practice, patience and the ability to learn from both victories and setbacks.
Krida Bharati Yamunanagar district president Sumeet Gupta said the purpose of the sports fortnight was not restricted to organising competitions. The broader objective, he said, was to generate awareness about sports in society and bring more children and young people to playgrounds.
He said Major Dhyan Chand’s life and dedication to hockey continue to serve as an inspiration for players across the country. His achievements demonstrate the importance of discipline, commitment and sustained practice in achieving excellence.
Sumeet Gupta said Krida Bharati would continue working to promote different sporting disciplines in Yamunanagar and create opportunities for talented players to move forward. He wished the participating athletes on National Sports Day and encouraged them to maintain a positive sporting spirit.
Krida Bharati Yamunanagar patron Ram Niwas Garg said sports play an important role in developing discipline, self-confidence, leadership qualities and team spirit. He said children should be encouraged to devote adequate time to sports along with their studies.
Garg said participation in sports can help young people develop a healthy routine and learn important values such as cooperation, responsibility and perseverance. He congratulated the Krida Bharati team for organising the sports fortnight and encouraged the participating players to continue working hard.
The hockey competition at the Tejli Sports Complex witnessed enthusiastic participation from young players. The players displayed their sporting skills and competitive spirit during the event, while the guests and organisers encouraged them throughout the competition.
The organisers said the event was intended to provide young athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in a competitive environment while also reinforcing the importance of regular physical activity. Such competitions, they said, can help players gain experience and develop confidence.
The presence of parents, coaches and sports enthusiasts also added to the atmosphere of the programme. Organisers emphasised that the development of a strong sporting culture requires sustained community participation rather than one-day events.
The sports fortnight will continue with various sporting activities aimed at increasing youth participation and encouraging greater awareness about physical fitness. Krida Bharati officials said efforts would continue to identify and encourage promising players from different parts of Yamunanagar.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen the connection between sports and social well-being. Organisers said children who regularly participate in sports can develop healthy habits and remain more engaged in constructive activities. They also stressed the importance of keeping youngsters away from substance abuse and encouraging them to channel their energy into sports and other positive pursuits.
The event also served as a tribute to Major Dhyan Chand and his contribution to Indian hockey. National Sports Day is observed in India on August 29, his birth anniversary, and sporting organisations use the occasion to encourage participation in games and recognise the importance of physical fitness.
Krida Bharati officials said the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand should motivate young players to pursue excellence while respecting discipline, teamwork and fair play. They said the organisation would continue its efforts to make sports accessible to children and youth at the grassroots level.
The organisers expressed hope that the sports fortnight would encourage more families to recognise the importance of sports and motivate children to participate regularly. They said creating sporting opportunities at the local level is essential for identifying talent and building a stronger pipeline of athletes.
The programme was attended by former District Sports Officer Rajendra Gupta, former District Sports Officer and hockey coach D.K. Sahni, Krida Bharati treasurer Sanjeev Kamboj, Kiran Vadhan, Jai Prakash Singh, Vinay Aggarwal, Bhavna Dua, Gurudutt Keemothi, AEO Gopal Singh, Avdesh Kumar, Chandrapal Rana, Harish Kumar, Nitin Walia, Sanjeev Nagra, Krishan Lal and others.
With the launch of the sports fortnight, Krida Bharati Yamunanagar said it would continue organising sporting activities and awareness programmes to connect young people with sports and promote the message of a healthy, disciplined and active lifestyle.
Vats said Krida Bharati aims to take sports to villages, towns and cities and identify new talent at the grassroots level. He said the organisation is working towards encouraging wider participation in sports and creating an environment in which young athletes can pursue their abilities with discipline and dedication.
