Port Blair, Apr 09: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM today felicitated top sportspersons of the Islands, who have won medals in different National level sports competitions during the year 2010-11 & 2011-12. At a function held at Tagore auditorium in the evening, the Lt Governor gave away cash awards and certificates of honour to these sportspersons and prizes to some of the outstanding coaches.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor congratulated the sportspersons for their commendable performance in various National Sports championships and winning medals. Stating that there is no dearth of talent in sports in these islands and our sportspersons had excelled at different sports at various levels, he stated that concerted efforts are being made for promotions of sports in the Islands by providing basic sports facilities to the sportspersons. Sports infrastructure is being developed not only at Port Blair but in North Middle and Car Nicobar, he stated.
He had special words of appreciation for Ms Deborah, who had won three medals including one Silver and two Bronze medals in the Asian Cycling Championship held in New Delhi recently. Out of the total of four medals bagged by the country, she won three medals and by winning these medals in International tournament, she has become a role model for the budding sportspersons and inspiration for the younger generation, he stated.
He further stated that the renovation of Velodrome which was damaged during tsunami at Netaji Stadium had been completed and is ready for practise. The Hockey playfield is also under completion. A proper National Standard Football stadium constructed at JNRM has been completed, which will further provide opportunities for the sportspersons of other states to visit the Islands and participate in the football championships. Further, the modern sports complex at Car Nicobar is under progress in which 50 bedded for girls hostel has been completed. A football field, 400 mtrs eight lane synthetic athletic track and seating gallery for spectators is under progress and once the project is completed, sports infrastructure facilities in the Islands will further boost up, he stated.
Emphasising the need for developing sports culture in the schools, he stated that schools must develop sports culture among the students as sports helps in the overall personality development of the children. Various qualities like team spirit, leadership etc are developed through sports which would also help children to become good citizens.
An impressive cultural programme was also organized which drew loud applause from the audience.
Earlier, the Director (Sports), Shri Lucas Robert welcomed the chief guest and others while the Assistant Director (Sports), Dr. U N. Choudhary proposed the vote of thanks.
