BHOPAL: The medal in the Tokyo Olympics is the renaissance of hockey, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said at the felicitation ceremony of bronze medallist Vivek Sagar on Thursday.
CM Chouhan and sports minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia presented Rs 1 crore to Vivek and also felicitated former Indian hockey skipper Ashok Dhyan Chand and players of MP who represented India in Tokyo Olympics.
Chouhan said that the state government will provide a pucca house to Vivek’s family wherever he wants.
Chouhan said that success is achieved with steely determination and passion.
“You give players a lot of facilities and see how they work wonders. Vivek Sagar is from an ordinary family. His father is a school teacher. Parents of children who are interested in sports should give them the opportunity to play along with studies. This will encourage sports talents,” the CM said.
World class sports institutes will be developed in Madhya Pradesh, he promised. “The shooting academy is amazing too. Adequate budget provisions have been made for development of sports,” said Chouhan
Ssports minister Scindia and her team in the sports department deserve congratulations for their successes, Chouhan said. “We have proven our excellence in hockey before the world. India has a bright future in women’s hockey too. The Indian women’s hockey team finished fourth in the Olympics. They lost the last match but won the hearts of the whole country. I announce Rs 31 lakh each will be awarded to the Olympic women hockey team,” added Chouhan.
Chouhan, Scindia and Vivek planted saplings in the Smart Park of Bhopal for hockey renaissance.
Vivek spoke at the event and said he was moved by the love for sports shown by the CM. He expressed gratitude to Chouhan and sports minister Scindia for the honour bestowed on him.
Vivek, who joined MP hockey academy in 2013, said its infrastructure is among the best. “Good trainers, diet, sports equipment and other facilities are available here. Self-motivation is also important for any sportsperson. Discipline, hard work and having respect for all leads to success,” said Vivek.
Scindia recalled that in December 2005, Chouhan had given her the responsibility of the sports department and said he wanted an Olympic medal. “In the long journey from 2006 to 2021, CM Chouhan remained the cornerstone of success. From increasing the sports budget to encouraging players, Chouhan has been with us in every step. We were knocking on the door of Olympics for many years to get medals. Vivek Sagar has opened this door,” said Scindia.
