Healthy body necessary for all-round development : CM

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that healthy body is necessary for all-round development since healthy mind dwells only in healthy body. Describing sports necessary alongwith education, he formally declared sports event open. He was addressing Sports Olympiad organised by Dainik Bhaskar at Tatya Tope Stadium here today. Director Sports Dr. Shailendra Shrivastava, Sports Authority of India Regional Director Shri R.K. Naidu and Shri Virendra Puniya, the coach of Olympian discus thrower Krishna Puniya were also present on the occasion.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the Chief Minister said that realisation of soul and God is also attained when body is healthy. He said that time for sports has become scarce in the modern-time lifestyle. Sports are also a good exercise. Therefore, students should play games at least for an hour in the day.
Shri Chouhan congratulated Dainik Bhaskar for its efforts to discharge social responsibilities. He said that Saina Nehwal and Sachin Tendulkar of future are hidden in players participating in this tournament. They need to be given opportunities. The event will give opportunity and motivate these sports talents to brighten their names in the country and world. On the occasion, Shri Chouhan greeted international player Padmashri Krishna Puniya.
Padmashri Krishna Puniya said that the way Madhya Pradesh government is honouring and encouraging athletes is a matter of pride for them. He said that this mega sports event will give a new direction to society and motivate players to perform better at national and international sports events.
Dainik Bhaskar Group Chairman Shri Rameshchandra Agrawal threw light on objectives and outlines of the event. He informed that this is an effort of the group to discharge its social responsibilities. Efforts will be made to expand it to village level. He informed that 1600 players from 69 schools of the state capital are participating in the event.