Shivpuri, Nov 14 (IANS) Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday proposed organising a cricket tournament involving teams from all five Assembly constituencies of Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district to promote sporting talent and provide young players an opportunity to compete at different levels.
Addressing a programme in Kolaras (Assembly seat under Shivpuri district), Scindia said that teams would be formed at every gram panchayat, with winners progressing to block-level and subsequently Assembly-level competitions.
The initiative is aimed at identifying and encouraging cricket talent in rural and urban areas of the district, which falls under his Guna Lok Sabha constituency.
The Union Minister proposed that teams from Kolaras, Shivpuri, Pichhore, Karera and Pohri Assembly constituencies participate in the tournament.
The semi-final matches would be held in Shivpuri and the final in Kolaras.
Scindia also expressed his desire to participate and play cricket with the young players.
“Sports are not just a means of physical development but also teach discipline, build confidence and inspire people to face challenges in life,” he said.
He suggested including badminton competitions along with cricket in the Sansad Khel Mahotsav scheduled for January.
During the programme, Scindia played badminton with children and watched demonstrations of judo and wushu by local players.
He appreciated their performances and congratulated the players and their coaches.
The Union Minister said there was no shortage of sporting talent in the Gwalior-Chambal region and that young players needed proper infrastructure, training and opportunities to progress.
Citing achievements from the region, Scindia mentioned Lavanya and Diksha Dhakad, who have made it to Madhya Pradesh’s Under-17 cricket team, and Neeru Dandia, who won a gold medal in rifle shooting at the Asian Games.
He also referred to the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Sports Complex in Shivpuri, established around 15 years ago, saying it had developed international-level facilities.
The town recently hosted the 70th National School Games Athletics Championship, which saw participation from different states and Union Territories.
On Friday, Scindia performed the bhoomi pujan for development works worth Rs 3.97 crore in Kolaras, including a modern sports stadium to be constructed at Rs 2.97 crore and a road connecting it to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Office (SDM office) at a cost of Rs 1 crore.
He said the stadium would provide local players with better facilities for training and practice and directed officials to complete its construction at the earliest.
–IANS
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