Rural olympics
Information & Broadcasting Minister Shri Manish Tewari has said that UPA Government is committed to strengthening the infrastructure of rural sports in the country. Addressing a large gathering at Kila Raipur on the concluding day of Kila Raipur Sports Festival in the District Ludhiana yesterday, Shri Tewari said that the Kila Raipur sports, which are considered as the Rural Olympics and it has also encourage others to adopt the model of Kila Raipur Sports in the rest of the country.
The Minister congratulated Grewal Sports Association for holding such a grand rural sports event, which is viewed and applauded world-wide. Shri Tewari promised the organizers that the scope and infrastructure of Kila Raipur Sports will be further widened and strengthened.
Shri Manish Tewari announced Rs. 10 lakh to Grewal Sports Association for the upgradation of the stadium and Rs. 5 lakh for development of village. He also inaugurated the Sports Club. Shri Tewari stressed for the healthy Punjab, it is very vital to make Punjab free from drugs.
On the occasion, Former Punjab Ministers Malkit Singh Dakha, Chairman of Kila Raipur Sports Sh. Jasbir Singh Jassi Khangura, District Congress President (Urban) Sh. Pawan Dewan, President of Grewal Sports Association Sh. Gursandeep Singh Grewal and several prominent sports personalities were present.
Kila Raipur sports festival which is popularly known as Rural Olympics is organized by Grewal Sports Association. This three-day sports festival attracts more than 4000 sports men and women in both recognized and traditional sports. It is witnessed by more than 10 lakh people. Of late, Kila Raipur sports festival has become a truly international rural sports event. Kila Raipur has perhaps the biggest rural sports stadiums in the country with a capacity of 50000 spectators. Many foreign TV Channels, besides DD Punjabi and DD Sports shoot this sports bonanza live. Kila Raipur, a little village beyond Ludhiana, has been holding the Rural Olympics for last 55 years.
Before this Shri Manish Tewari laid the foundation stone for development works in Durga Puri Habowal at Ludhiana and also distributes the cheques about Rs.44 lakh.
Later in the evening Shri Manish Tewari also inaugurates the Light & Sound Programme Jamunia based on “KARMO” symbol of women empowerment in New Shimla Puri Ludhiana. This 5-day programme is being organized and presented by Song & Drama Division Unit of Information & Broadcasting Ministry.
By: k.mohan