National Sports Day 2023: Indian men's 4x400m relay team felicitated for creating history in Budapest

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Marking National Sports Day celebrations, on August 29 in New Delhi, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur, initiated the third installment of the Fit India Quiz. The inauguration was part of a larger event hosted at JLN Stadium on Tuesday.

The occasion saw participation from about 500 students from various local schools and several renowned athletes and officials associated with MYAS, SAI and National Sports Federations. National Sports Day 2023: History, Significance and Why It's Celebrated

Adding to the day's events, an informative booklet regarding Sports Infrastructure Projects approved under the Khelo India Scheme was released by the Minister. A portal for National Sports Federations was also launched during this event. The minister took this opportunity to honour the men's 4x400m relay team who recently set an Asian record at World Athletics Championships held in Budapest.

During his address at this occasion, Thakur highlighted Major Dhyan Chand's contributions towards Indian hockey as he won three Olympic gold medals consecutively in 1928,1932 and 1936. He emphasised that coaches and athletes have played significant roles in carrying forward this legacy of sports revolution over time.

Addressing the event, the Union Minister mentioned, "The Wizard of Hockey Major Dhyan Chand gave us three consecutive Olympic gold medals in hockey in 1928, 1932, and 1936. This is a fitting day for tribute to this great maestro and I'm happy to observe that over the years, coaches and athletes have also played a big role to take this sporting revolution forward. Coaches and athletes play a big role."

He further added that there are more than 3500 events taking place throughout India which is a testament to our progress in sports. He appreciated recent achievements like Praggnanandhaa's success in Chess; Antim Panghal's wrestling triumphs; Aditi Gopichand Swami's excelling in archery; along commendable performances by Parul Chaudhary and Neeraj Chopra among others.

Post two successful runs of Fit India Quiz earlier on previous occasions, its third edition has been announced now as well featuring a total prize money worth Rs 3.25 crores dedicated to school students across the country. Major Dhyan Chand: Remembering The Hockey Wizard of Berlin Olympics

Simultaneously an online application submission system was introduced to manage applications for the creation or upgrade of sports infrastructure including requests for sporting equipment under the Khelo India Scheme starting September 1, 2023.

An Information booklet detailing how the Khelo India Scheme has brought about transformational changes since its inception back in 2016 was also unveiled during these proceedings showcasing all infrastructural development undertaken to date across different states and UTs.

To celebrate National Sports Day aptly while paying homage to Hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand fitness activities were organized across numerous government offices Ministry offices SAI centres Khelo India centres national sports federations schools colleges etc.

Anurag Singh Thakur concluded his speech by acknowledging contributions made by NSF IOA parents and coaches who have motivated their children to pursue sports.