Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan delivered a powerful message to the youth of India, emphasizing the importance of a fit lifestyle and the dangers of drug abuse. He shared these thoughts while speaking at the Member of Parliament sports festival held in the historic city of Agra on Wednesday.
A Call for Fitness and Character Building
Addressing a gathering of athletes and spectators, the Vice-President stressed that the true value of sports extends far beyond the final score. He articulated that sports play a vital role in shaping character, instilling discipline, teaching patience, and fostering team spirit. Radhakrishnan made a direct appeal to young people, encouraging them to integrate physical fitness into their daily lives as a permanent habit while consciously staying away from narcotics.
Crediting Government Initiatives and Celebrating Diversity
Radhakrishnan pointed to several central government schemes as key drivers behind India's improved performances on the global sporting stage in recent years. He specifically credited the Fit India Movement and the Khelo India programme, along with the promotion of indigenous games, for creating a robust sporting ecosystem.
He also celebrated the breaking of traditional barriers, noting that the nation's sporting focus is no longer confined just to hockey and cricket. "Today, India is making steady progress in disciplines such as shooting, wrestling, tennis and others," he stated. The Vice-President reserved special praise for para-athletes, whose record-breaking feats at the Paralympics he attributed to advanced scientific training methods and supportive government policies.
New Horizons for Women and Future Hosting Ambitions
A significant part of his address focused on the rising tide of women's participation in sports. Radhakrishnan highlighted that sporting platforms are now unlocking new leadership opportunities for women across the country.
Looking ahead, he revealed India's ambitious plans to host major international sporting events. The nation is preparing to host the Commonwealth Games and, in the long term, aspires to organize the Olympic Games. This, he suggested, would be a culmination of the country's sporting journey.
Adding a historical note to the event, Union Minister Satya Pal Singh Baghel remarked that this was a landmark occasion. He stated it was the first time since India's independence that a sitting Vice-President had attended a sports competition in Agra.
The festival in Agra thus served as both a celebration of current athletic talent and a platform to chart a future course for a healthier, more successful sporting nation.
