Gujarat: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Gandhinagar Premier League (GPL) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, underscoring the importance of fostering a vibrant sports culture in India. The event, attended by dignitaries including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, marks a significant step towards promoting grassroots cricket and nurturing talent at the local level.
Addressing the audience, Shri Amit Shah highlighted the Sansad Khelkood Mahotsav initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which saw participation from over 1,37,000 players across 42 sports disciplines. He emphasized the importance of imparting sports values to children and encouraged Members of Parliament (MPs) to organize similar events nationwide to popularize sports.
Shri Amit Shah noted that cricket was excluded from the Sansad Khelkood Mahotsav to ensure equal focus on other sports. The commencement of the Gandhinagar Premier League (GPL) with 1,078 cricket teams participating reflects the enthusiasm for sports among the youth in Gandhinagar. He emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, stating that both victory and defeat should be accepted with humility.
Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to promote sports, Shri Amit Shah outlined various initiatives undertaken by the government, including financial support for athletes, improved training facilities, and hosting international sports competitions in India. He cited India’s impressive performance in events like the Asian Games, Paralympic Games, Olympics, and Commonwealth Games as evidence of the nation’s growing prowess in sports.
Looking ahead, Shri Amit Shah expressed the goal of positioning India at the top of the Olympic medal tally by the centenary of independence. He called upon the youth to build upon the foundation laid by Prime Minister Modi and emphasized the need for a comprehensive sports infrastructure, transparent selection processes, and player welfare measures.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the Gandhinagar Premier League symbolizes India’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and fostering a culture of sports excellence. With concerted efforts and support from all stakeholders, India aims to achieve greater heights in the global sporting arena in the years to come.
