Hockey is symbol of pride & glory : CM
Bhopal : Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expressed surprise over the Central Government not giving status of National Game to hockey. In letter to Union Sports Minister Shri Ajay Maken, the Chief Minister said that he was surprised to read in newspapers that under R.T.I., the Central Government has not given status of National Game to hockey.
He said that the Central Government has disappointed crores of hockey lovers by giving the information about not giving status of National Game to hockey, which has a glorious history. Efforts are needed to lift hockey from the neglected state of affairs witnessed during last several years so that it can regain its past glory.
Shri Shivraj Singh has urged the Central Government to maintain hockey’s National Game status so that the game can continue is glorious history. While maintaining National Game status, more concrete and sustained efforts are needed through modern techniques to revive glorious past of hockey.
The Chief Minister informed that economic assistance worth Rs. one crore 73 lakh has been given to National Game hockey during last few years for promoting the game in Madhya Pradesh. Rs. one lakh each assistance has also been given to senior Olympians and international hockey players.
The Chief Minister said that hockey is not a game, but the symbol of our pride and glory. India has been pioneer in hockey in the world. Madhya Pradesh government has established women’s hockey academy at Gwalior and men’s hockey academy at Bhopal. Besides, hockey astro turfs have been installed at Bhopal, Gwalior and Seoni. Work of installing astro turn is underway at Jabalpur and Betul.
