Sports – Rajnath Singh Highlights Rising Women Participation at Lucknow Event
Sports – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday praised the growing involvement of women in sports while addressing participants at the closing ceremony of the MP Khel Mahakumbh in Lucknow. He expressed confidence that the large-scale sporting event would help deepen the city’s long-standing athletic tradition and inspire similar progress across Uttar Pradesh.
Focus on Strengthening Local Sports Culture
Speaking to athletes and organizers, Singh noted that Lucknow has historically maintained a strong connection with sports. He explained that the MP Khel Mahakumbh was launched with the aim of preserving and expanding this legacy. According to him, such initiatives not only encourage participation but also help create a competitive environment for young athletes at the grassroots level.
He added that efforts are underway to further improve sports facilities across the city. Expanding access to quality infrastructure, he said, remains a priority to ensure that aspiring sportspersons can train effectively without needing to relocate.
Expansion of Infrastructure Beyond Urban Centers
Singh emphasized that sports development is no longer confined to major cities. He pointed out that modern playgrounds, stadiums, and training centers are now being developed in rural and remote areas as well. This broader reach is expected to make sports more accessible to youth from diverse backgrounds.
Highlighting the scale of investment, he said that Uttar Pradesh has seen projects worth thousands of crores dedicated to sports infrastructure. These developments are intended to bridge the gap between urban and rural sporting opportunities.
Encouraging Rise in Women Athletes
One of the key themes of Singh’s address was the increasing participation of women in sports. He described this trend as a positive sign of social change, particularly under initiatives like the Khelo India programme. According to him, events such as the Khelo India Women’s League have witnessed strong participation across multiple cities.
He noted that greater involvement of young women not only strengthens the sporting ecosystem but also contributes to broader empowerment. The growing visibility of female athletes, he said, is inspiring more families to support their daughters in pursuing sports careers.
Government Support and Investment in Sports
Singh highlighted that the government has invested close to ₹5,000 crore in building and upgrading sports infrastructure under various schemes. He explained that improved facilities have made it easier for athletes to access training resources and participate in competitions.
He also credited national initiatives for encouraging youth engagement in sports. According to him, these efforts are helping identify talent at an early stage and providing structured pathways for development.
A New Phase for Sports in India
Reflecting on the broader transformation, Singh stated that the past decade has marked a significant shift in India’s sports landscape. He described it as a period where sports are not only seen as a means of achieving international recognition but also as a tool for social progress.
He added that sports are now being integrated into the education system under the National Education Policy. The establishment of a National Sports University is expected to further support training, research, and professional development in this field.
Promotion of Traditional Sports Disciplines
Singh also underlined the importance of preserving traditional Indian sports. He said that initiatives under Khelo India have helped revive interest in disciplines such as Gatka, Mallakhamb, Thang-Ta, Kalaripayattu, and Yogasan.
To encourage participation, the government is offering scholarships to athletes in these fields. He noted that such support is essential for maintaining cultural heritage while also expanding opportunities in lesser-known sports.
Event Participation Reflects Growing Interest
In a message shared on social media, Singh mentioned that thousands of young participants took part in this year’s MP Khel Mahakumbh. The event, held for the second consecutive year, reflects increasing enthusiasm among youth for organized sports activities.
He expressed optimism that continued efforts at both local and national levels will help India build a stronger and more inclusive sports ecosystem in the coming years.