Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that extensive sports infrastructure is being developed across Nagpur to strengthen the city’s sporting culture and create a robust talent pool for the future.Speaking at the closing ceremony of the week-long MP Sports Festival held at Suresh Bhat Auditorium, Fadnavis said the event, organized annually under the guidance of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, has consistently grown in scale and popularity, providing opportunities and training to thousands of young athletes.
The Chief Minister noted that sports has become increasingly professionalized, opening up diverse career opportunities for young people. “Sports help channel the energy of youth in the right direction and foster a competitive spirit essential for success,” he said.Fadnavis highlighted that Nagpur is witnessing the development of high-quality sports facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports complex at Mankapur capable of hosting international sporting events. He also mentioned that a sports university is being established in the city, which will further contribute to the development of skilled sports professionals.
Addressing the gathering, Gadkari announced that the next edition of the MP Sports Festival would be expanded to the Vidarbha level, with efforts being made to attract participation from more than one lakh athletes.“Our vision is to transform Nagpur into a sports capital. We are working to establish sports facilities across the city and aim to see at least one lakh boys and girls actively participating in sports every evening,” Gadkari said. He added that efforts are underway to build at least 25 swimming pools in Nagpur.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse said India is working with a long-term vision for sports development and is strengthening sports infrastructure nationwide with the goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. She noted that Maharashtra continues to rank among the top-performing states in various national sporting competitions.Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that around ₹45 crore has been earmarked for sports development projects in Nagpur district and said planning is underway for their implementation.
During the event, 14 athletes from various disciplines were honoured with the “Khasdar Krida Bhushan Award.” Special awards were also presented to outstanding coach Ravindra Tong, organiser Vijay Dangre, sports promoter Umesh Naidu, and Young Muslim Football Club for its contribution to sports development.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Mayor Neeta Thakre, MLAs Krishna Khopde, Pravin Datke, Sanjay Bhende, newly elected MLC Arun Lakhani, organising committee chairman Sandeep Joshi, and former MP Dr. Vikas Mahatme.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com