Sports brings people together: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

Coimbatore, Sept 4 Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore today highlighted the importance of sports, saying it brings people together and infuses a sense of nationalism among them.

The Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting was speaking at "Gramotsavam" (village festival), organised by the city-based Isha Foundation with the aim of reviving "dying traditional sports".

Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi was also present at the event. "Sport is an amazing thing, which brings all together and shows the oneness- that we are Indians. It is a proud moment when you hold the National Flag in a sports event or you have the tri-colour on your chest," Rathore, himself a former shooter, said.

Though the name of one person was registered in history book for scoring a goal in a football match, it was a teamwork by 11 members and the entire team celebrates the victory of the nation, he added.

Bedi said engaging in sports and extra curricular activities help people to shun bad habits. She said she was impressed by the event and would replicate Gramotsavam in Puducherry. I will start giving it a shape from coming Saturday and would seek the assistance from Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of the Isha Foundation, in this regard, the former IPS officer said.

A large number people, including women, from remote areas, took part in the event that witnessed games like kabaddi, malkambha, throwball among others.

PTI