As the Supreme Court put on hold the application of sedition law, Rijiju had on Wednesday invoked "Lakshman Rekha" guiding different institutions, including the Executive and the Judiciary, and said no one should cross their "boundary".
Reacting to his remarks, Chidambaram said the Law Minister of India has no authority to draw any "arbitrary Lakshman Rekha" and should read Article 13 of the Constitution.
"The Legislature cannot make a law, nor can a law be allowed to remain on the statute book, that violates the Fundamental Rights. The sedition law, in the view of many legal scholars, violates Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution," the former Union minister said on Twitter.
"All the King's horses and all the King's men cannot save that law," Chidambaram said in a swipe at the Centre.
Rijiju also took to Twitter to hit back at the former Union minister.
"That's why Nehru Ji brought in the First Amendment and Smt Indira Gandhi made Section 124A a cognisable offence for the first time in India's history?," he wondered.
Rijiju claimed that during the Anna movement and the other anti-corruption movements citizens were subjected to harassment, intimidation and arrests.
Rijiju said electoral fraud is a serious matter and the government is considering at the union law minister's level how to check fraudulent voting.
Linking Aadhaar with the electoral roll is one of the ways. As of now linking Aadhaar with electoral rolls is voluntary. Our aim is to ensure 'one nation, one electoral roll' to check double names in electoral rolls and fraudulent voting and ensure a clean voting process, he said during Question Hour.
Replying to a supplementary on the proposal to grant voting rights to 'Pravasi' Indians, the minister said the government has suggested to the Election Commission to look into how to give voting rights to those Indians who are working abroad or whether to allow them online voting.
But before taking any decision, we have to ensure safety and transparency of the process and that it is free from malfunctioning, he said.
When Congress member Manish Tewari asked whether the source code of the EVMs remains with the company which manufactures the EVMs or it is passed on to the EC, Rijiju said it was like appointment of judges.
The judges are appointed by the government but once they are appointed, they become independent. No one should question the EVMs and there should not be any inference too, he said.
As Tewari insisted that he did not get the proper reply to his question, Speaker Om Birla intervened and said the world over the Indian democracy and its electoral process was being highly praised.
Birla said during his travel to many countries, people have shown very high regards for Indian democracy.
He said it is the biggest democracy in the world and yet it conducts the elections so smoothly.
People say that they have not seen such a good system working in such a big country and everyone should appreciate the system, he said.
Rijiju said We want maximum voting and a healthy system. India's election system has been termed as the best system in the world .
Replying to another question, he said there is no proposal under consideration of the government to enact any law to enforce compulsory voting in the country.
Neither the government can force those who are in jails to give votes as they are under the jurisdiction of the courts, he said.
We want maximum voting and a healthy system. People from the whole world appreciate our system, he said.
Patro reportedly said that two letters related to the matter will be dispatched soon. While one will be addressed to all the Parliamentarians from the State Assembly- which will include a copy of the resolution passed in the Odisha Assembly in 2018, he will personally write the other letter to the Union Minister.
Patro said that in his letter he will call upon the Union Minister to conduct a probe to identify the official who had provided him (Minister) incorrect information about the resolution passed by the Odisha legislature.
"A copy of the resolution passed in the Assembly had been sent to different departments of the Central government on September 18, 2018. Once again, I will write a letter regarding the matter to the concerned departments and attach a copy of the letter. I will also write a letter personally to the Union Minister," said Patro.
It is pertinent to mention here that Union Minister Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha that the Centre was still to receive any resolution passed by the Odisha Assembly for the formation of a Legislative Council in the State while answering BJD MP Prasanna Acharya's question. On Friday, his answer evoked sharp reactions from several BJD leaders including the Assembly Speaker.
However, the Union Minister is yet to respond over the matter.
The PLA suggested a place of release, the minister said.
"They are likely to intimate date and time soon. Delay attributed to bad weather conditions on their side," he wrote on Twitter.
On Tuesday, Rijiju had said that India had shared details of the missing Arunachal Pradesh teenager with the PLA to corroborate the identity of the youth in their custody.
"Hotline exchanged on Republic Day by Indian Army with Chinese PLA. PLA responded positively indicating handing over of our national and suggested a place of release," he said on Wednesday.
The Union minister, who represents the state in Lok Sabha, had earlier said that the Chinese side had conveyed to the Indian Army on January 20 that they had found a boy on their side and requested for further details to establish the identity.
"To assist Chinese side in corroborating the identity, personal details and photo of the individual has been shared with the Chinese side by the Indian Army. Response from the Chinese side is awaited," Rijiju had said in a statement put out on Koo app.
The establishment of All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) is likely to be made part of the agenda of a proposed meeting between Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and state law ministers in November, the sources in the government said.
As of now, judicial infrastructure is the only announced agenda of the meeting.The central government feels that a properly framed All India Judicial Service is important to strengthen the overall justice delivery system of the country.
All India Judicial Service (AIJS) will give an opportunity for induction of suitably qualified fresh legal talent through a proper all-India merit selection system.
It will also address the issue of social inclusion by enabling suitable representation to marginalised and deprived sections of society, successive law ministers have said.
A bill could be required to establish an all-India judicial service to recruit officers for subordinate courts through an entrance test.
The provision of an all-India judicial service on the lines of the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service was mooted soon after Independence.
The provision of AIJS was included in Article 312 of the Constitution through the 42nd amendment in 1976. But it would still require a bill to decide on its broad contours.
At present, various high courts and state service commissions hold exams to recruit judicial officers.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) could hold a standardised entrance test to recruit judges for lower courts.
Since cases in lower courts are argued in local languages, there have been apprehensions about how a person from north India can hold hearings in a southern state.
But the government is of the view that even IAS and IPS officers have served in different states overcoming the language barrier.
The government believes that if such a service comes up, it would help create a pool of talented people who could later become a part of the higher judiciary -- the 25 high courts and the Supreme Court.
"As per available information, around 3,700 such immigrants have been identified in Odisha," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said during Question Hour.
The Minister said though they have been found involved in cases of petty theft or illegal fishing, there have been no reports of their involvement in any major crime.
"Illegal migrants, when detected, are dealt with as per provisions of the law which include measures to deport them in accordance with the Foreigners Act," he said.
Rijiju said Odisha has a coastline of about 476 kms for which the government is implementing a comprehensive and integrated coastal security scheme to strengthen security infrastructure and capabilities of the police in the coastal states.
"I want the Olympics movement and the importance of Olympics to be understood by everyone, spread across the length and breadth of India. Sports is the biggest soft power of a nation," said Rijiju.
Chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand spoke about how the athletes were more confident in their abilities than their compatriots in the past and underlined the role of the government in making this change possible.
"Today I can confidently say that every member of the team is training to be in their best form and possibly win a medal and if they don't have a medal or have good performances, I am sure they are going to be very disappointed," said Gopichand during a virtual interaction organised by CII-Sportscom Industry Confederation in association with the Sports Ministry.
Former hockey international player M.M. Somaya was confident that both the men's and women's hockey teams would do well at the Olympics.
"We have some of the world's best coaches involved with hockey these days and our boys and girls are in good hands," said Somaya, adding that he was hopeful that India could pose a challenge for a medal in Tokyo.
The session was also attended by 2016 Rio Paralympic silver medallist Deepa Malik and 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist in shooting, Gagan Narang, among others.
In reply to a question raised by BJD MP Ram Chandra Hansdah, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju in Lok Sabha on Wednesday mentioned that 14 States, excluding Odisha were hit by calamities in 2017.
According to sources, the State government had informed the Centre on November 9, 2017 about drought and submitted a 224-page report. Later, the State had demanded a compensation of Rs 1,721 crore for crop loss on account of pest attack and drought.
"The Centre neither responded to the letters sent by the State nor gave a proper reply in Parliament when crop loss issue was raised," said Odisha Agriculture Minister, Pradeep Maharathy, adding that the Union Agriculture Minister forgets the issue of farmers of Odisha when he returns back to New Delhi.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat had visited the State in November and assessed crop loss.
Putting the blame on the State government, BJP State vice president Samir Mohanty said, "The Union agriculture minister has not forgotten anything. Instead the State government has failed to submit proper documents before the Agriculture Ministry on time."
https://youtu.be/sR54excIffQ
India lost the revered stars on last Saturday.
While the 60-year-old Singh succumbed to the dreaded disease in Lucknow after battling it for nearly two weeks, Kaushik, 66, died after suffering from the ailment for nearly three weeks.
Apart from achieving laurels as a player, Kaushik had also successfully coached both the senior men and women's teams.
Under his coaching, both the Indian men's and women's teams claimed medals at the Asian Games.
He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1998, before being bestowed with the Dronacharya award in 2002.
Singh, on the other hand, played in two Olympics -- 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles.
He also represented India in the Champions Trophy in Karachi (1980, 1983) besides the 1979 Junior World Cup.
The Union Minister shared the video on Instagram and retweeted the same video on Twitter. The challenge expects participants to place a bottle on a solid surface with the cap loosely twisted shut. They then have to untwist the cap with a back-spin kick without using their hands to touch the bottle.
On Twitter, Rijiju wrote; "Opening of bottle cap is an act of "Surgical Precision" which requires a perfect combination of focus, balance and strength. If you desire to inculcate more discipline into your life, try becoming more fit. Fitness is not about how you look but more about discipline."
Opening of bottle cap is an act of "Surgical Precision" which requires a perfect combination of focus, balance and strength. If you desire to inculcate more discipline into your life, try becoming more fit. Fitness is not about how you look but more about discipline. https://t.co/Shg3TkbJ0F
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 13, 2019
(With Agency inputs)
This is for the third time since the beginning of the Special Olympics that the Special Olympics Torch, the 'Flame of Hope' arrives in India, having travelled from Singapore to Delhi. This year, India is hosting the Special Olympics International Football Championship (SOIFC) 2019 in Chennai from August 3-6.
The Sports Minister received the torch at his residence from Dr Amar Prasad Reddy, the Chairman of SOIFC, in the presence of 15 other dignitaries and 20 athletes from Special Olympics Bharat.
The minister, along with several Indian special athletes, lit the 'Flame of Hope' and then addressed the audience.
Speaking about the event, the Minister said, "Sports should be a part of everyone's life and I am happy that an event like the Special Olympics gives our special athletes a chance to live their sporting dream. I am very happy and honoured to be part of this event and assure all support to our special athletes. The Flame must burn forever and we must all work as one family to ensure that special athletes have this platform always," he said.
In the mail, accessed by IANS, Batra writes: "This is with reference to the press statement of Secretary General IOA in the month of May 2019 regarding intention of IOA to most probably not participate in CWG 2022. The issues has also been informally discussed by IOA amongst some of the colleagues in IOA and they also agree with the views expressed by IOA Secretary General (Rajeev Mehta)."
Earlier, speaking to IANS, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Secretary Rajiv Bhatia had said that there was nothing that it could do since the organising committee had taken a final call on the matter.
"We tried out everything but now that the organising committee have taken a final call on it, nothing can be done. It's over now," he had said.
It was revealed in June that the Executive Board of the CGF had decided to exclude shooting from 2022 Games to be held in Birmingham. It is the first time since 1970 that shooting won't be seen at the Commonwealth Games and only the second since its first inclusion on 1966.
The move comes as a blow to India which won 16 medals, including seven gold in the event at the 2018 CWG at Gold Coast, Australia. NRAI president Raninder Singh had said in 2018 that it would want the Indian government to boycott the 2022 Games if shooting was dropped from the programme.
Sidhu had said: "I think it has happened before. We have backed out in the past. India is a big nation and we can throw our weight behind this."
They joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, party's general secretary in charge of Haryana Anil Jain and its state chief Subhash Badala.
Lauding the father-daughter duo, Rijiju said Babita Phogat has brought laurels to the country by bagging medals at several international events.
Her father is also an exemplary person for coaching his daughters and making them international level wrestlers.
The BJP believes that the induction of Phogats into the party will help it politically in the poll-bound Haryana. Assembly elections are due in the state later this yera.
The Phogat household came to be known nationwide following the success of Hindi film Dangal, which is loosely based on the lives of Phogat sisters, all of them wrestlers, and their father who coached them against all odds.
IANS has reliably learnt that she decided to not be a part of the final meeting on Saturday due to the presence of Yadav's name among the nominees. According to sources, Mary had in fact wanted to resign from the committee when media reports appeared pointing at a case of conflict of interest against her.
The Boxing Federation of India had nominated Yadav on the basis of Mary's recommendation.
Mary is among the athletes who are in the selection panel -- which includes former footballer Baichung Bhutia, former long-jumper Anju Bobby George, former women's cricket team captain Anjum Chopra and table tennis coach Kamlesh Mehta - that will recommend names for the Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dhyanchand and Dronacharya awards to Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. The other prominent names are Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd) Mukundakam Sharma, Sports Secretary Radhey Shyam Jhulaniya, Sports Authority of India Director General Sandeep Pradhan and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) CEO Commander Rajesh Rajagopalan.
The BFI has nominated world championships bronze medallist Gaurav Bidhuri and Asian Games gold medallist Amit Panghal for the Arjuna Award while Sandhya Gurung and Shiv Singh are the other coaches they have nominated for the Dronacharya.
BY ROHIT MUNDAYUR
A statement from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said that the nation-wide launch of the movement will inculcate physical activities/sports into daily life of citizens in order to improve their physical fitness and well-being.
Accordingly, an advisory committee is being constituted with members of government, Sports Authority of India (SAI), IOA and NSFs like Athletics Federation of India, All India Football Federation, Cycling Federation of India and so on.
The committee will be under the chairmanship of sports minister Kiren Rijiju.
Representatives of private bodies such as Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Reliance Foundation, JSW Cement and JSW Paints, SE TransStadia Pvt. Ltd., Tata Trusts, ASSOCHAM India, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), and actors Shilpa Shetty and Milind Soman will also be involved, the statement said.
In June, the executive board of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had decided to exclude shooting from the 2022 Games, following which the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had threatened to boycott the event.
In the letter dated September 3, Rijiju said the decision of the CGF executive board to exclude shooting is based on the premise that shooting had never been a compulsory sport and there is no venue available for holding shooting events.
"Unfortunately, at present, India is not represented in the Commonwealth Games executive council and in the functional committees of the Commonwealth Games. Therefore, it could not put forward its case for the inclusion of shooting in 2022 Birmingham CWG," the Sports Minister said in the letter addressed to Morgan, a Conservative Party member who is also the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
"As you are aware, the Commonwealth of Nations comprises 53 countries with a population of 2.4 billion. India alone has more than half of this. India has always been a strong votary and supporter of the Commonwealth and would continue to be so.
"The Indian public takes keen interest in shooting events involving Indian shooters. In a constructive gesture, the International Shooting Federation has offered to share the cost of inclusion of shooting in Birmingham CWG. I request your personal intervention in ensuring the continued inclusion of shooting in 2022 CWG," he added.
Earlier, CGF Chief Louise Martin had insisted that shooting will not be a part of the 2022 edition of the Games due to space constrains.
Indian shooters bagged 16 medals, including seven gold, at last year's Gold Coast Games where they finished in third place with 66 medals.
It will be for the first time since 1974 that shooting won't a part of the Commonwealth Games and only the second time since its first inclusion in 1966.
"As a Sports Minister, I am very excited and have always thought of how to promote indigenous sports in a big way. Kabaddi is a perfect example of how an indigenous sport has grown successfully," Rijiju said on Sunday while speaking on KBD Live programme on Star Sports.
"This I feel is the beginning of the sports culture that we envisaged for India which is now becoming a reality. We will definitely push hard for Kabaddi to be part of the next Olympics as we are a billion plus powerful nation and so for this to become possible, we will have to put all our efforts together, but I am very confident about it," he added.
Kabaddi is part of the Asian Games but not of Olympics. At the 2018 Asian Games held in Indonesia, Iran became the first country outside of India to win gold medals in Kabaddi, with India's men's team winning bronze, and India's women's team being beaten by Iran to win silver.
Chikara, 29, recorded a 7-1 verdict over China's Sijun Wang to claim the top honours.
"A superb performance from Vivek Chikara as he wins the gold medal in men's recurve open event at the Asian Para Archery Championships after a 7-1 win over China's Sijun Wang. Kiren Rijiju congratulates him on the win," said a tweet from the sports minister's office.
A superb performance from Vivek Chikara as he wins the gold medal in men’s recurve open event at the Asian Para Archery Championships after a 7-1 win over China’s Sijun Wang. @KirenRijiju congratulates him on the win. pic.twitter.com/nicHoge3eL
— Kiren Rijiju Office (@RijijuOffice) October 24, 2019
Chikara had made the cut for the 2020 Paralympics earlier as he finished joint ninth in the men's recurve open section at the World Para Championships in Hertogenbosch earlier this year.
There are 10 quota places for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics which include two quotas each in the men's and women's recurve categories.
"Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has already announced setting up a Board for Sports Education. Now, under the new education policy, sports will become a part of education and the CBSE is preparing a system to ensure sports becomes a substantial part of education," Rijiju said.
He said this after inaugurating the Dr N P V Ramaswamy Udayar Hockey Centre at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and University here.
Rijiju said the move to induct sports in the new education system was because it has been treated as an extra-curricular activity.
"Earlier, sports was treated as extra-curricular activities. Sports was not part of education system and it was treated as an extra," he said.
Under the new initiative, the Minister said the Central Board of Secondary Education was preparing a system and sports would not be treated as an extra or just an option.
"Sports is the central part of education system now.
There is a major shift we are taking forward. Prime Minister is very clear in that,"he said.
Later talking to reporters, he said his Ministry was in touch with Human Resources Development Ministry in this regard.
"I have already attended the cabinet meeting and I have already spoken there. Now, it is under preparation (to include sports in educations system). Policy has been accepted. How to implement, when to start, this will depend on the preparation.
Modi government is treating sports as greatest priority ever and that is how India will become a sporting powerhouse in future," he said.
On the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, he said it was just 10 months away and one cannot create a champion overnight.
"It takes years for a player to become a champion. So, we will go to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with full preparation but with existing talents. We have decided to give the best possible support system, including creating an India House pavilion in Tokyo," he said.
The India House, he said, would offer complete support to Indian athletes like food, transport and provision of accommodation. "Everything will be managed by India House and we must ensure full preparatory support to our team," he said.
He said the next big target for India was that it should be in the top 10 medal list in the world since in Rio de Janeiro olympics, India managed to secure only two medals.
He said the Olympics in Paris would be held in 2024 and in 2028 in Los Angeles.
"I met all heads of sports federations and the target in 2024 we have to cross double-digit medal tally and by 2028 Olympics, India must be in the top 10 medal list of the world.
There is no second thought. We must be clear in our objective.
Otherwise, how will India become a sporting powerhouse," he asked.
To a query, he said Tamil Nadu has a great sports culture and the state has huge potential to produce more talents in future.
"I want to promote traditional sports. There are many traditional sports in Tamil Nadu. Not only Olympics sports, we want to promote traditional sports which are played in villages," he said.
He said to nurture the sporting talents at the young age the Ministry under the 'Khelo India' initiative would scout for talents at a very young age across India on a massive scale.
"A total of 14,000 young boys and girls has been identified and put into various training centres under Khelo India schemes and through Sports Authority of India. We want to enlarge that," he said.
The announcement was made on Saturday at the launch ceremony of the event, which was attended by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju.
The event marked the unveiling of the composite logo of the 3rd edition of the Games, the Games' Mascots and the theme song at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium, Sarusajai.
Athletes Hima Das, Swapna Burman and Lovlina Borgohain joined the ceremony, which was attended by a host of dignitaries from the world of sport.
The Khelo India Games was launched in 2018 to imbibe a culture of sports in the country and to fortify it at the grassroots level with the eventual goal of making India a sporting powerhouse.
This year, over 10,000 participants from across the country will compete in 451 medal events in 20 sporting disciplines, two more than last year, with cycling and lawn bowls being added to the list of events.
"The Khelo India Youth Games is one of the most empowering initiatives of the Indian government that hopes to not only give a platform to youngsters from all over the country to make a future in the sport, but also to build India into a sporting nation," Rijiju said.
Hima Das, one of the most celebrated athletes from Assam, was also present at the event to unveil this year's Games jersey.
"This is the biggest boost for us athletes not just in terms of scholarships but also in terms of moral encouragement and motivation. I thank the government for its vision and want to urge every youngster interested in sport to make the most of this golden opportunity," Hima said.
With this, the host broadcaster of the Games, Star Sports, will now mandatorily share the feed of the tournament with Doordarshan so that youngsters even in the most remote areas of the country who may not have access to cable networks can watch the Games and be inspired to take up sports.
Star Sports will telecast the Games, slated to start on January 10 in Guwahati live for eight hours in Hindi and regional languages on each day of the competition as part of an agreement the broadcaster has with the Sports Authority of India.
"Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Khelo India Games is not just an event, it is a movement. Promoting sports and fitness among the youth and sensitizing parents to motivate young athletes to pursue a sporting dream is a first step towards making India a sporting superpower. The Khelo India Games being declared events of national importance is a significant step towards achieving that goal. It is also a matter of great pride for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. I am confident that this move will inspire more youngsters to step up and pursue sports seriously," said Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Around 6,800 athletes are expected to participate in the third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games. The athletes will take part in a total of 20 sports with lawn ball and cycling being the new additions to the Games. The officials of the tournament have ensured that all the preparations for the competition have been carried out efficiently.
The opening ceremony will take place at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati on Friday before the athletes start participating in the competitive events.
(IANS)
"There are approximately 1500 vacancies for coaches, whom we couldn't hire due to technical reasons. So we have decided to fill up these vacancies in the coming days," Rijiju said on the sidelines of a program celebrating 'National Girl Child Day'.
"We are not going to wait for the 8 years period and will promote the assistant coaches to senior level after few years on the basis of their service record, so that there is no dearth of coaches.
"We are hiring reputed foreign coaches, irrespective of their remuneration. There will be no shortage of funds for the training of the Indian athletes. There are some very good Indian trainers and coaches and we are hiring them as well," he added.
The Khelo India Youth Games, the 13-day government's flagship project, concluded this week with Maharashtra maintaining its supremacy by finishing at the top of the table with a massive haul of 256 medals.
"I was extremely happy to see so many national records being broken during the Khelo India Games which is a Under-21 tournament. Some of these athletes will also participate in the Olympics and in other various international events," Rijiju said.
Rijiju also said that his ministry is trying to ensure that athletes get the required diet at all training centres.
"I had gone to Lucknow recently and there I came to know the quality of food was not good, so I stepped in and now I have got the feedback that the quality has improved," he said.
Hailing the country's women athletes, Rijiju said: "The performance of Indian women athletes in Olympics and world championships are better than men. They win more medals than the boys in international tournaments. We have told the sports training centres to give equal opportunities to women.
"If we don't encourage women, our 60 per cent chances of winning medal will be gone. They train as harder and has an equal standing as men."
(PTI)
"I'll call Karnataka's Srinivasa Gowda for trials by top SAI Coaches. There's lack of knowledge in masses about the standards of Olympics especially in athletics where ultimate human strength & endurance are surpassed. I'll ensure that no talents in India are left out untested," tweeted Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday.
One of the tweets read: "Here's India's very own USAIN BOLT..Mr. Srinivasa Gowda from Karnataka who ran a 100m buffalo race (Kambala) in merely 9.55 seconds whereas Usain Bolt's world record is 9.58 seconds. Thank you @KirenRijiju Sir for acknowledging such talent!"
Shashi Tharoor had earlier tweeted: "Faster Than Usain Bolt? Karnataka Man Running With Buffaloes Covers 100 Metres in Just 9.55 Seconds. I urge the Athletics Association of India to take this man under their wing & make an Olympic champion of him. Wonder how many hidden talents we have!"
The 28-year-old is a construction worker and took just 13.62 seconds to cover a distance of 145 metres at the Kambala at Aikala village about 30 kilometres from Mangaluru.
Srinivasa took just 9.55 seconds to run a distance of 100 metres and netizens were quick to point out that he was faster that eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt. Bolt currently holds the world record in the 100-metre race at 9.58 seconds in 2009.
Kambala is an annual race held in Karnataka where people sprint 142m through paddy fields with buffalo. Traditionally, it is sponsored by local Tuluva landlords and households in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
As many as 3400 athletes from 159 universities across the country will vie for top honours across 17 disciplines, including rugby which is among the six-team events.
The PM launched the multi-disciplinary sporting event through a video conference facility.
He called it a historic moment for Indian sports.
"It marks the next step in the country's sporting revolution," PM Modi said in his address.
"A new history has been made in Odisha today. This is not only a historic moment in Indian sports but also a big step for the future of Indian sports," he added.
Khelo India University Games, a great effort to promote sports and fitness among youth. https://t.co/dYLN6qiaol
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2020
Present on the occasion, among others, were Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Dharmendra Pradhan, who holds the petroleum and natural gas portfolio in the union cabinet among others.
Ace sprinter Dutee Chand, who is a student of KIIT, the host university, was also a part of the event.
Besides Dutee, there are other talented athletes like Mangalore University's triple jumper Jay Shah, his team-mate long-distance runner Narendra Pratap Singh, Pune University's long-distance runner Komal Jagadale and Acharya Nagarjuna University's sprinter Yarraji Jyothi, who can lift the quality of the competition in track and field sport.
(PTI)
Rijiju asked those who had come in contact with him recently to be observant and exercise self-quarantine.
“After getting repeated test for Covid-19, today my report has come out positive. I’m taking the advice of the Doctors. I request all those who have come in my contact recently to be observant, exercise self-quarantine and get themselves tested. I’m physically fit and fine,” the minister wrote on his twitter handle.
After getting repeated test for Covid-19, today my report has come out positive. I'm taking the advice of the Doctors. I request all those who have come in my contact recently to be observant, exercise self-quarantine and get themselves tested. I'm physically fit and fine.
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 17, 2021
The minister was in Uttarakhand on Friday to inaugurate a water sports and adventure institute in Tehri.
Rijiju was appointed sports and youth affairs minister in May 2019 following the general elections. He replaced Rajyavardhan Rathore, who held the portfolio in the previous NDA government (2014-2019).
"Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open, however, spectators won't be allowed," read one of the guidelines to be followed during the lockdown, which was due to end on Monday but has been extended till May 31.
Also Read: Lockdown 4.0: Metro Rides Without Frisking At Security Check
India has recorded over 90,000 COVID-19 cases so far with nearly 3000 deaths.
However, sport continues to be listed among the functions, gatherings and large congregations which are not allowed as of now.
The lockdown came into effect in mid-march and elite athletes, who are based at Sports Authority of India (SAI) complexes in Patiala and Bengaluru, have been demanding a resumption of training.
Last week, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju held a series of video conferences to take the athletes' view on the matter.
On May 3, he had declared that the ministry was aiming for a phased resumption of national camps by the end of this month for at least the Olympic-bound athletes.
Also Read: Sports Ministry To Hire Around 1500 Coaches To Fill Up Vacancies: Kiren Rijiju
(PTI)
"I congratulate NADA on this initiative," said Rijiju. "It is a very important step for Indian sport because we are working towards clean sports and the first step in that direction is to create awareness and provide relevant, accessible information to athletes so that they know which medication or substances are not to be used by them.
"With this app, athletes can check for themselves the list of prohibited substances and don't have to depend on anyone else for assistance. I am also happy that we have taken yet another step to fulfil our Honourable Prime Minister's dream of a digital India."
The app also has exhaustive information about whether a specific commonly-prescribed medicine contains any substance that is prohibited by NADA, therefore helping athletes and coaches to decide medicines that athletes can consume in case they are unwell.
To ensure a smoother, quicker process of dope test for athletes, the app allows doping control officer to record their availability to conduct a test through this app.
The launch was attended by Sports Secretary Ravi Mital and Director General of NADA Navin Agarwal.
(IANS)
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The announcement came after the ministry's decision on Thursday to extend the contracts of all foreign coaches till September 30 next year and to make all future hiring -- both Indian and foreign -- for a four-year cycle in sync with the Olympics to ensure continuity.
"Several Indian coaches are showing very good results and need to be rewarded for their hard work. The government is also keen to attract the best coaching talent from across the country to train elite athletes and we do not want the cap on compensation to be a deterrent for good coaches to join," Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said in a release.
"The increased remuneration and longer contract period is also to attract ex-elite athletes into the high performance sporting ecosystem, and to use their experience and skill to train athletes bound for major international competitions, including the Olympics."
Eminent coaches already working in various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) would also be allowed to join on deputation and be eligible for the 4-year contract as well as the higher salary structure.
The remuneration will be decided on the basis of the ex-elite athlete's performance as an athlete as well as his or her success as a coach.
"All new coaches and existing coaches who are given the new contract will be imparting training at National Camps and SAI's National Center of Excellence (NCOEs), and will be selected jointly by the Sports Ministry and the National Sports Federations," a ministry release said.
Welcoming the move, chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand said: "This is a long standing request of the sporting fraternity. I am very happy with the decision because it will give a great boost to the overall sporting ecosystem by attracting many talented coaches and eminent ex-athletes to join the profession."
The Sports Ministry will also resume grassroot-level talent scouting with an eye on 2028 Olympics when the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic improves.
The elite Indian coaches/ex athletes, including those from the PSUs and leading sports promotion boards will be part of the Talent Scouting Committee which will be touring various parts of the country to scout raw talent in the age group of 10-15 years.
(PTI)
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Rijiju recently attended the Ministerial Forum of Commonwealth countries to share India's road to the resumption of sport, post COVID-19 pandemic, and also to contribute to the creation of a collaborative sports policy in the post-pandemic era.
Speaking at the global forum, which saw participation from all Commonwealth countries, Rijiju said, "As members of Commonwealth nations we need to stand in solidarity on all issues, especially at a time like this. I am glad to be on this forum with all other Commonwealth nations to collaborate on the way forward."
"Most of the points raised here by ministers from other countries are similar to that of India's. However, there are some significant learnings and achievements that we have had during this period, which I would like to share."
However, in the second phase of lockdown, on-ground training and conducting sporting activities will be the focus of the Indian government, he reiterated. "The government has allowed some sporting activities with certain restrictions while following a stringent SOP, the guidelines that must be followed by every sporting organisation."
"I am happy to inform that the training of our elite, Olympic-bound athletes has begun in specialised camps, recently. I have also spoken to the sports ministers of all states and union territories, as well as the National Sports Federations and asked them to slowly resume some sporting events. We need to boost the confidence of people.
"I am hopeful India will have sporting events from September or October, even the big leagues in various sports are considering resumption," the Sports Minister added.
Pointing to the importance of citizens staying fit during the pandemic, the Sports Minister said, "I would like to inform all ministers on this forum that a very important programme, the Fit India Movement, was launched by our Prime Minister last year, and it has been very useful in fighting the pandemic since building fitness and immunity is crucial during these COVID-19 times."
"India has successfully created awareness about the importance of staying fit through a series of dedicated online programs for citizens on fitness and well-being, all through the pandemic. Experts have shared their advice on health, nutrition, exercises that citizens of all age groups have used successfully."
Rijiju also spoke of diversification of sports delivery models and shared how India is successfully running online training programs for athletes and skill up-gradation courses for coaches.
"We have seen participation from thousands of athletes of various levels and coaches who have been hugely benefitted by these knowledge enhancement programs," he said.
(IANS)
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Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar made the announcement today.
Speaking on the occasion, Rijiju said, “I am very happy to announce Haryana as the host state for the fourth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games. Khelo India Games, envisioned by our Prime Minister, has been instrumental in identifying grassroot level talent from across the country, who have represented India in international sporting events. It is the Mahakumbh of sport.”
"Haryana to host the #KheloIndia games 2021. No #KheloIndia Games to be held this year due to #COVID19Pandemic . "
- Shri @KirenRijiju pic.twitter.com/Cx70D9Sr8j
— Dept of Sports MYAS (@IndiaSports) July 25, 2020
“Haryana already has a very strong sporting culture and has given the country some of its best athletes. I am sure that with the Games being hosted in the state, more and more aspiring athletes from Haryana will be motivated to take up competitive sport,” he said.
The sports minister added, “The Khelo India Youth Games usually take place in January of every year. However, this time owing to the pandemic, we are having to postpone it. I am sure by the time we host the Games the pandemic will abate and we will be able to host the Games at the same scale, with participation of all states and over 10,000 participants.”
Like in the previous editions, this time too, Star Sports will be the Official Broadcast Partner of the Khelo India Youth Games.
During the announcement, Manohar Lal Khattar said, “As a state Haryana has always promoted sports in a big way and supported its athletes. Hosting the Khelo India Youth Games in Haryana will only add greater impetus to our commitment towards creating a strong sporting ecosystem.”
The 22-year-old athlete, who has won 24 gold medals at the state Wushu Championship, was sanctioned the money through the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for sportspersons.
Speaking from her home in Rohtak, Shisha, who is also pursuing her BSc in sports science, said she is grateful for the intervention of the Sports Minister and hopes to return to training as soon as possible.
"I don't have words to thank the Sports Minister for his noble gesture and sending across Rs. 5 lakhs at a time like this. I am absolutely determined to get back to my training at the earliest and it's so good to see such a proactive minister who cares for the athletes. I promise everyone that within a year, I will win a gold medal for the country."
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has put a stop to the daily training regimen of sportspersons and in the case of Shiksha forced her towards manual labour, she is confident that this is a short-term measure and she is only doing it to repay her parents for the sacrifices they have made for her.
"My main ambition is to win gold for the country, my parents have sacrificed everything to bring me here. Unfortunately due to the pandemic things were brought to a standstill, my training got stopped and I had to take up manual labour and support my parents.
"However once all this ends, I want to return to training because winning gold for the country is my ultimate aim," she said.
(IANS)
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Speaking to IANS, a BCCI official said that while the Sports Ministry has already given the go-ahead, the board is hopeful that the External Affairs Ministry and the Home Ministry will also give the go-ahead soon.
The official reiterated that there would be no hiccups and the Indian cricket board will abide by all the regulations put in place by the government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
"The BCCI has received clearance from the Sports Ministry and we are hopeful of a positive response from the other departments quite soon as well.
There have been some noises from certain quarters as they want to see the board fail in successfully conducting the IPL this year, but they are basically only trying to create confusion among the cricket loving people in the country.
"Let me assure you that the BCCI is committed towards organising a safe and clean IPL and are confident that it will give the necessary boost to the sports sector in these times. We are also extremely grateful to the government for their support and understanding.
In fact, they have been guiding us right through this period and we would also want to thank Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju," the official said.
IPL franchises are also confident that the government will give the required permission to take the tournament to UAE as the IPL will further boost the morale of the people of India who have had to face a tough time combating the pandemic.
"See, you will always have people around you who will look at the negatives. But what you cannot forget is the kind of support the IPL gives the Indian domestic structure. We are confident that the BCCI will get the required permission to take the tournament to UAE because at the end of the day we all want the smiles to return on the faces of the Indian people.
Many are waiting to see the likes of M.S. Dhoni and Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma take the field after so many months. All protocols will be followed and safety of the players will be a priority," one of the officials of an IPL franchise said.
(IANS)
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In keeping with the current pandemic situation and social distancing norms, the government has decided to encourage participants of the event to run at their own pace -- anywhere and at any time of their convenience.
Additionally, they can break up their runs over several days in this period. The total kilometers clocked can be tracked using a Global Positioning System (GPS) watch or manually.
The mega event will be launched by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on August 14.
"The Fit India Freedom Run is yet another endeavour to strengthen the Fit India Movement envisaged by our Honourable Prime Minister and involve our citizens to embrace fitness as a way of life. This event is even more important at this time because staying fit is the key to building strong immunity, which is the need of the hour to fight Covid 19," said Rijiju.
The event is being organised to mark the 74th Independence Day on August 15 to the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2.
(IANS)
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The ceremony is scheduled to be held on Saturday (August 29), and the Ministry said that 65 out of the 74 awardees will be present.
Of the nine award winners who will not attend the virtual ceremony, three have tested positive for Covid-19.
The awards are usually presented by the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This time, however, President Ram Nath Kovind will be connected via a National Informatics Centre (NIC) link from Rashtrapati Bhavan while the recipients will be present at Sports Authority of India (SAI) and NIC centres in various locations across the country, the Sports Ministry said in a statement.
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju would be present at the Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital for the award ceremony.
"Awardees who are not being able to attend the function from one of the various centres or are not in India on August 29, will be given the award later," said the Ministry.
The programme will be telecast live on Doordarshan.
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"By 2028 Olympics, India will be in the top 10 medallists. Without setting an ambitious target, you cannot achieve the goal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created an Olympic task force and we are making certain preparations," he said.
Rijiju said that the Central government was leaving no stone unturned in a bid to nurture talents that could bring India laurels in the 2028 Olympic. He was speaking at the virtual launch of 'enJogo' App, designed by Bhaichung Bhutia Football School to provide online training modules to footballers.
"We have now identified talented athletes for the Junior TOP Scheme and they will be given a monthly stipend of Rs.25,000 each. These junior players will train for free and the Rs.25,000 they will get is like a salary they earn for their families," said Rijiju.
The sports minister also acknowledged that he had received harsh comments from some sections on his ambitious projection. "I know many people wonder how it would happen, many people gave comments...not so nice. But it is a democratic country, people will have their own views and we do not think we should respond to those comments," he said.
"Our job is to focus on what we want to achieve. We have to set targets, set the bar higher and focus on what we can do. I feel the target [of being in top 10 in 2028] is achievable," he said.
To a question, the minister said the COVID-19 pandemic situation has made it difficult to say when the crowds will return to the stadiums. "I will not be able to make a call on that. I don't know what will be the situation in the coming months," he said.
"I wish the fans are there in the stadium as soon as possible, we are hopeful of that happening. But health and safety of the public is also our priority," he added.
The Home Ministry has allowed sports gatherings of up to 100 people from September 21, lifting the total ban.
(IANS)
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The new logo highlights 'SAI' in bold letters with the depiction of an athlete's flight to success in the background.
The logo was unveiled in a brief ceremony organised at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here, which was also attended by Sports Secretary Ravi Mittal, SAI Director General Sandip Pradhan and Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister Rijiju said that soon after taking charge of the ministry, he proposed to change SAI's logo and make it more simple and meaningful.
"The new logo is small but its meaning and goals are big. The logo is the identity of any organisation. SAI has been promoting sports in India for long but it's old logo looked long and cluttered to me. So, I thought of a short logo where SAI's name is more visible. The new logo is thought of simplicity," he said.
"The new logo would be easier to display and would easily get imprint in anyone's mind."
Rijiju reiterated his vision to witness among the top 10 countries in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"In every work (we do), aim and objective are very important. There should be a target in mind and our target is to finish in the top 10 in the 2028 Olympics.
"But to achieve that target, you need time and so we have taken an eight-year target. I have no doubts we can achieve our goal," the minister said.
(PTI)
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The KISCE inaugurated in other states are Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Telangana.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) said the central government wants to develop the sports culture in India.
A big step towards Hon’able PM @narendramodi ji’s vision of #FitIndiaNewIndia.
Inaugurated @KheloIndia State Centres of Excellence in 8 states, along with @BSYBJP @robertroyte @VSrinivasGoud @sports_odisha and other dignitaries. pic.twitter.com/aa3zkU7fXF
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) December 22, 2020
Khelo India has become a brand, he said, adding that everybody, including boys and girls want to be part of the Khelo India programme. Khelo India games is becoming the most popular sporting event in the country, he said.
Rijiju said sports must become a way of life and culture in India.
The Government of India has collaborated with the state governments to create basic facilities for the young boys and girls, he said, adding that India has huge talent in sports but many of them cannot rise because of the lack of facilities.
Rijiju said the government is starting the KISCE on top of the existing National Centre of Excellence in partnership with state governments.
"The ministry is ready to provide necessary financial assistance to ensure that the KISCE develops with proper infrastructure and manpower. Emphasis on making India a global super power with high quality coaching and training," he said.
India is a large country and the target is to move to top 10 in the next Olympic Games, he said, adding that the sports centres will be developed up to the required standards.
"We will work hand in hand with the state governments to ensure proper development of the sportsperson in the states," he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor for Youth Affairs and Sports of Nagaland, Zale Neikha in his speech conveyed gratitude to the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for setting up the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence and giving the opportunity to Nagaland in the first phase of the sports ministry programme.
The priority sports for Nagaland are wrestling, archery and boxing, he said while asserting that Nagaland will make every effort to hone these skills.
"We will make sure that our young Indian sportspersons take up this opportunity in all seriousness in the next four years and make a mark in the history of Indian Olympics following in the footsteps of Dr T Ao and Chekrovolu Swro and make our great nation proud," he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
The Railways had suspended ticket fare concessions for all categories of passengers except for students, patients and the specially-abled to discourage people from undertaking non-essential travel.
In a letter to Goyal, Rijiju refers to a circular of the Railway Ministry dated March 19, 2020 regarding withdrawal of concessions in passenger fares for the category of sportspersons in view of the health advisory issued regarding COVID-19.
He said the Department of Sports, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Home Affairs, recently issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Guidelines for organising sports competitions in the country amid the pandemic situation.
Under the guidelines, sports activities have been permitted with some restrictions and subject to the SOP, he said.
"Now, since the training and sports competitions have started, the sports persons are facing difficulties due to withdrawal of the concession in passenger fares while travelling to participate in all India, state and national level tournaments," Rijiju said.
He said during his interaction with sportspersons and sports administrators, he has been apprised of the difficulties being faced by them due to withdrawal of the Railway concession.
"The Indian Olympic Association has also submitted a representation in this regard. In view of the above, I shall be grateful if you could kindly get the concession restored for sportspersons in passenger fares in the best interest of sports and Indian sportspersons," he said in the letter to Goyal.
The Railways offers 51 different types of concessions to a variety of people including senior citizens who enjoy up to 50 per cent rebate on tickets of all trains during travel on the national rail network.
Teachers, war widows, awardees, artists, sportspersons, farmers, medical professionals and youths are among the different classes who enjoy concessional travel.
In response to a query by PTI, the Railways said it had revised its list of concessions on 20th March 2020 as a measure to discourage travel when the nation-wide lockdown was being enforced to counter the spread of coronavirus.
"The situation is still not normal yet. Regular trains of Indian Railway have not been restored due to that. Only special trains are being run to ensure essential movement of passengers. The pre-Covid concessions were valid only regular trains. They were even then non-applicable for special trains," a Railway Spokesperson said.
"The situation is constantly under review and examination. Appropriate further decisions are being taken in the best interest of all. Indian Railways is committed to the good health, safety and well being of all its travellers. Continuance of removal of some of the concessions is to be seen in that context," the official said.
The Railways further said all stakeholders are being apprised of the situation and the circumstances under which the concessions had been withdrawn.
(With PTI Inputs)
"It's sensitive issue, and we are in the process of working out a plan. The health of the elite athletes training in the national camp for Olympics is our priority, but we have to follow protocol of the health department," said Rijiju.
The sports minister, who was chief guest at an event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on the eve of the National Marathon, said health workers and frontline staff are the main focus of the government. "But at the same time we don't want any Olympic-bound athlete to get this contagious virus and spoil his or her preparation," he said.
There has been uncertainty over the two doses of the vaccine for the athletes preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.
Earlier in February, Rajiv Mehta, secretary general of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), had written to the health ministry considering the need for Covid-19 vaccines for top athletes.
"All the coaching staff and athletes who have achieved Olympic qualification might be a small number, but it all depends on the health ministry to give its nod," said the sports minister.
In the 2019 Olympic qualification round, the Indian men and women's hockey team along with nine boxers and four wrestlers made it to the Tokyo Olympics. Fifteen shooters and seven individual track and field athletes too have made the cut for the Olympics.
The sports minister hoped more athletes would qualify for the Olympics, starting on July 23. Due to the pandemic, several Olympic qualification events like the gymnastics World Cup have either been cancelled or postponed.
Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports have announced formal recognition of Yogasana as a competitive sport: AYUSH Ministry.
Yogasana will be introduced as a competitive sport in Khelo India, National and University Games: Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju pic.twitter.com/lLy1DLzzX5
— OTV (@otvnews) December 17, 2020
While addressing, Naik traced the origins of yogasana competitions to the Indian Yoga tradition.
He said that they are still being conducted today at multiple levels, but a strong and sustainable structure to impart national visibility to the competitions is yet to emerge.
Naik further said that the government's decision to recognise yogasana as a competitive sport comes after 3-4 years of wide consultations with the stakeholders of the yoga sector.
The Minister also said that yogasana is an integral and important component of yoga, which is psycho-physical in nature and popular across the globe for its efficacy in fitness and general wellness.
"Yogasana becoming as a sport will also ensure new technologies and new strategies being inducted into the disciplines, to benefit our athletes and officials towards building fruitful and fulfilling careers in this field," Naik said.
#Yogasana is an integral and important component of #Yoga, which is psycho-physical in nature and popular across the globe for its efficacy in fitness and general wellness: Union Minister @shripadynaik
(2/2)
Read: https://t.co/Wyh6t9uJLh pic.twitter.com/3nGDunIOgO
— PIB India (@PIB_India) December 17, 2020
On this occasion, Rijiju said that the competitions that will arise out of the recognition of yogasana as a sport will enhance interest in yoga among people around the globe.
He also said that both the ministries have been closely working together to establish yogasana as a competitive sport and that a plan is being made to include yogasana as a sport discipline in Khelo India and in the University Games.
"We will also pitch it at the National Games but the aim and objective of any sport is to be included in Olympics and this is a beginning of a long journey," Rijiju said, adding that yogasana is going to become a beautiful, attractive and popular sport.
The Secretary AYUSH also informed that various steps or activities will form part of the road map and the future development of yogasana Sport like a pilot yogasana competition named as "National Individual Yogasana Sports Championship" (Virtual Mode) to be held in early 2021.
Launching of an Annual Calendar of competitions, events and programmes of yogasana sport, development of Automated Scoring System for the yogasana championship.
Courses for coaches, referees, judges and directors of competitions, coaching camps for players.
Yogasana as a Sport discipline in National Games, Khelo India and international sports events will be introduced along with steps to create job opportunities for yogasana athletes.
(With IANS Inputs)
"Our Indian boys and girls have won nine medals including three gold, two silver and four bonze medals at the prestigious Cologne Boxing World Cup," Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju shared the news on his official Twitter handle on Sunday.
"India has achieved tremendous progress in boxing. My hearty congratulations to our star bvoxers!" he added.
Some golden action moments of our star boxers in Germany during Cologne Boxing World Cup 2020. https://t.co/5Jfr1NLRBv pic.twitter.com/AHvmd0ua0C
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) December 20, 2020
Ace Indian pugilists Amit Panghal (flyweight 52kg), Manisha Moun (57 kg) and Simranjit Kaur (60kg) clinched gold medals in their respective weight categories.
Sakshi Choudhary (57 kg), two-time AIBA Women's Youth World Champion and heavy weight boxer Satish Kumar (+91kg) won the silver medals.
Sonia Lather (57kg), Pooja Rani (75kg) Gaurav Solanki (57kg) and Mohamed Hussamudin (57kg) bagged bronze medals.
(IANS)