National Sports Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, who won gold medals in three consecutive Olympics during the pre-independence era.
After laying floral tributes at Dhyan Chand’s statue at the National Stadium, Mandaviya said maintaining physical fitness is important to create a healthy community, according to PTI.
“On the occasion of National Sports Day, we are paying floral tributes to Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary. What Prime Minister Narendra Modi said is true… that is who plays, develops,” Mandaviya told PTI Videos after paying. tribute to the legend on his 119th birthday.
“Citizens of the country must stay healthy and well, and healthy citizens build a healthy society. And that society contributes to building and making the country happy. In 2047, to create a more advanced version of India, all citizens must stay healthy. .
“And to stay fit, one should exercise. Everyone should set aside hours for their favorite sport. I will also play my chosen sport…football on this National Sports Day,” added Mandaviya..
Former hockey captain Iqbal expressed his happiness over the achievements of Indian sportspersons at the Olympics in Paris, where the country won six medals. However, he also believes that more work needs to be done to advance the sport in India.
“We have to work very hard for the upliftment of sports; there is no doubt about the contingent that has gone to Paris for the Olympics they did really well. They have improved their position at that level,” said Iqbal.
Five bronze and one silver medal included India’s six medals in Paris, and six of its athletes advanced to the finals in their respective events.
Iqbal said the country should aim for medals in potential sports like swimming and athletics.
“India is doing a good job, the athletes are quite confident. We have sent 117 athletes … there are some medals available in swimming, table tennis, athletics, and badminton, where teams can win.
“We are improving, we are creating a sports culture in our country… it is a great achievement and the government is spending a lot of money to give the athletes experience. I am sure it will be better in the future,” he said. added.
He called the Indian hockey team’s bronze medal effort a remarkable achievement.
“This is a great achievement in hockey. We went without a medal for forty years, then in Tokyo (2021) won bronze. And now in Paris, we won another medal.
“This medal is like gold for us, and it encourages the youth to take hockey seriously and play for the country. I am sure hockey has done well,” said Iqbal, who was a member of the 1980 Olympics that won gold. side in Moscow.
He went on to say that the squad needs to quickly produce a goalkeeper Homework Sreejeshcaliber. After campaigning in Paris, Sreejesh called it a day.
“Sreejesh will no longer be in the squad. We have to develop a replacement. Krishan Pathak is also there, he will do well, I am sure,” he said.
“He (Sreejesh) is one of the greatest players that India has produced in terms of keeping wickets, he is also a good team leader. He has a lot of good qualities. We will miss him a lot in the upcoming international competitions as well as the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Apart from Sreejesh, he said, the Indian squad might miss a veteran player like the former captain Manpreet Singhwho may announce his retirement soon.
“Some others can leave the hockey team, like Manpreet Singh. He has played four Olympics, I don’t know how he can be part of the team.”
