Daijiworld Media Network - Agra
Agra, Dec 24: Vice-President of India C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday urged the youth to stay away from addiction, asserting that an addiction-free generation forms the strong foundation of a developed nation. He called upon young people to adopt sports as a way of life and make discipline their greatest strength.
The Vice-President was addressing the gathering at the Sansad Khel Mahotsav organised at the Eklavya Sports Stadium here. He praised sports events held across the country under initiatives such as Sansad Khel Pratispardha and Sansad Khel Mahotsav for encouraging large-scale youth participation in sports.
Radhakrishnan arrived in Agra earlier in the day and was received at the airport by Union minister of state and Agra MP S P Singh Baghel and Uttar Pradesh higher education minister and Agra (South) MLA Yogendra Upadhyay. He later planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign amid cultural presentations by students and participants.
Recalling his school days, the Vice-President said he was actively involved in sports and had a keen interest in long-distance races, table tennis and cricket. “Sports make us physically and mentally strong, keep us healthy and build character through the spirit of competition. Discipline, patience and teamwork are values nurtured through sports, and the youth must adopt them as a way of life,” he said.
Stating that the nation stands at a crucial crossroads, Radhakrishnan said the youth represent India’s future. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, he said self-reliance goes beyond economic growth and includes the creation of responsible citizens with strong physical and mental capabilities.
He noted that India has begun gaining recognition in newer sports disciplines and that the country’s medal tally at international events has steadily increased. “With India set to host the Commonwealth Games and aspiring to host the Olympics in the future, it is essential that our youth focus on sports,” he added.
Addressing the event, S P Singh Baghel lauded the Sansad Khel Mahotsav initiative and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fostering a strong sports culture across the country. He said the Agra edition of the Mahotsav featured 34 sporting events, with over 62,000 participants registering for games including kabaddi, marathon, basketball, tug of war, wrestling, chess, mallakhamb and women’s cricket.
Baghel added that the Prime Minister’s ‘Khelo India’ campaign and the national sports policy have provided a major boost to sports, while Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has also ensured employment opportunities for sportspersons.