During a Tuesday mega-event with the state’s contingent, including players, coaches, and support personnel, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel declared a financial windfall for gold winners.
The CM also set a lofty goal for his states’ teams and athletes competing in the 36th National Games, which get underway here on September 29. The Chief Minister urged the state delegation to believe that nothing is impossibly difficult and to aim for the gold during his speech.
“When you begin to think you can accomplish the seemingly impossible, you have already made progress. No one can stop you from attaining greatness if you have faith,” he said.
“As a show of support and thanks, the state government is tripling the monetary prizes for winning medals,” he continued.
Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat’s sports minister, reminded the audience that Gujarat has the “Home Advantage” because it is the host state and he urged his players to fully utilise it.
“You have all started participating in sports on this very land, and now is your chance to shine. My sincere hope is that each of you will succeed in your chosen sport “He announced.
Pullela Gopichand, a former All-England Open champion and national badminton coach, and world champion shooter Anjali Bhagwat attended the event as the principal guest. The athletes were urged to dream big and let the outcomes take care of themselves.
“I commend the Gujarati government for stepping up to organise the National Games. I am convinced that we can host the Olympics as well, which only brings together 11,000 athletes, if we can plan an event with 20,000 athletes in such a grand manner “As expressed by Pullela Gopichand.
Anjali Bhagwat also addressed the crowd and shared her memories of how Ahmedabad was the beginning of her sporting career.
“I’m thrilled to be here, especially since I travelled to Ahmedabad as an NCC girl and participated in my very first shooting contest there. My sporting career started after I went on to win a medal “The formerly best shot in the world remarked.
The two elements necessary for success, according to her, are mental toughness and mindset. “You must have confidence in your ability to succeed. Give your everything, but picture yourself on the podium, holding the medal. You can’t get there if your mind doesn’t see that,” she added.
The state coaches gave their advice to the chosen players through a video presentation, telling them to “play fair yet fierce” and defeat the rivals.
The playing equipment that the team would wear during matches and practise was also unveiled by the Chief Minister. He also provided an update on the National Games’ ongoing preparations, including training camps, etc.
More than 2,000 people attended the event, including the Gujarati athletes competing in the National Games, as well as their coaches, assistant coaches, team managers, top state sports officials and bureaucrats, representatives of sports academies, the media, etc.
The 36th iteration of the National Games of India will take place between September 27 and October 10, 2022, in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar in the state of Gujarat.
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