RUN FOR RIO

Sports Authority of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has organized “Run for Rio - Khelo or Jiyo” on 31st July 2016 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, India Gate, New Delhi. Dr. Abhishek Swami, Mr. Manoj Kumar Yadav, Mr. Dinesh Kumar, Mr. Ankush Yadav, Mr. Sunil Kumar, Mr. Anoop Mishra and Mr. Gaurav Singh along with 130 NSS volunteers from Dronacharya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida participated in Run for Rio event.

The objective of the run is to not only demonstrate to the athletes that the whole country is proud of them and wishes them all the best in the forthcoming Rio Olympics competitions, but also to connect public at large, especially children and youth, with the Olympic spirit and power of sports.

Program started with the warm up session before the commencement of run. Warm up session lead by a dance group “Kriti” for 20,000 school children and NSS volunteers. After warm up session Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off ‘Run for Rio’, The prime minister preceded the flagging off of the run with a short speech encouraging and inspiring the young students participating in the event. He told that “Most of the times, we equate games with either winning or losing. Games are much more than that.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a game, players are ready to face the struggles with all their strength, especially to uphold the dignity of the nation. Shri Modi said that when the 2020 games take place, let every district affirm that one athlete from our district will represent India at those games.

Prime Minister Modi also released a publication of SAI (Sports Authority of India) on 'Indian Olympic Journey', which carry interesting information on India's Olympic achievements and preparations for the future.”

The Sports minister Vijay Goel also said that an Olympic exhibition and a food park are also being planned in collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Corporation. Mr. Goel stated that government would focus on providing facilities and sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, especially, for indigenous and popular sports. Sports Minister said that 119 Indian athletes who have qualified for the Olympics have done so after a lot of trials, they are not just there as individuals but as upholders of the pride of 125 crore Indians.

Run to Rio commenced from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and finished at Jawaharlal Nehru National Stadium. The Run for Rio concluded with prize distribution at Jawaharlal Nehru National Stadium, New Delhi.

Some Glimpses: