Address by Governor at the inauguration of the ‘Oorja – CAPFs Youth Under – 19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament in Mumbai
Address by Shri CH Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra at the inauguration of the ‘Oorja – CAPFs Youth Under – 19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament organized by the Central Industrial Security Force, under the aegist of the All India Police Sports Control Board at Western India Football Association at Cooperage Football Ground, Mumbai at 6 pm on Tuesday, 2 May 2017
Shri Satish Khandare, Inspector General (West Sector), Central Industrial Security Force, Smt Anjali Bhagwat, Ace Shooter and Maharashtra’s Brand Ambassador for the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Shri Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Shri Farhan Akhtar, two of the most talented and popular film personalities in the country, officers and staff of CISF, all the players participating in the Oorja CAPFs Youth Football Talent Hunt Tournament, coaches, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening and a warm welcome to all the participants at inauguration of the Oorja – Central Armed Police Forces Youths Under – 19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament.
I am extremely happy to be a part of the inauguration function of the Tournament organized by the Central Industrial Security Force, under the aegis of the All India Police Sports Control Board.
At the outset I congratulate the Central Industrial Police Force for being selected by Government of India to host the event. The CISF has made excellent preparations to host the event and I would like to congratulate the IG, CISF Shri Satish Khandare and his entire team for their dedication and hard work.
India will be hosting the FIFA Under – 17 world cup in October 2017. This event is going to be a turning point in India’s sporting history.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India is serious about promoting sports and games in the country. The Hon’ble Prime Minister has said that sports can go a long way in achieving unity and national integration.
Last year after the conclusion of Rio Olympic Games, the Hon’ble Prime Minister had announced setting up of a task force to prepare the roadmap for India’s preparation for the next three Olympic Games.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister wants FIFA Under 17 World Cup to be the starting point for a sports revolution in the country.
Driven by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of making football the sport choice in India, the Ministry of Sports, Government of India has launched the ‘Mission XI Million’, the biggest school sports outreach programme in February this year. The Mission will encourage children to play football, develop sportsmanship, learn important life lessons in teamwork and sportsman spirit.
The Mission XI million has been planned to take the beautiful game of football, which is the world’s most popular sports to at least 11 million boys and girls around the country.
This will happen when all schools, colleges, teachers, principals and students support the initiative wholeheartedly. Today I want to compliment all the schools and colleges that have participated in the event.
Dear friends,
Let me tell you that most of the developed countries are equally developed sporting nations as is evident from their performance at the international events.
As an emerging power in the world, India must claim its rightful place in the list of top sporting nations.
For this purpose, the attitude of our society towards sports will have to change. Most importantly, we will have to integrate sports into the academic system and encourage students to follow a career in sports. It is my dream to see India develop as a multi-sports nation.
Friends,
In sports, every participant is a winner. There is no loser in sports. Sports develop the personality of participants. The spirit of sportsmanship will stay with you all your life.
With these words, I congratulate each one of the participants and wish you an exciting week of sports ahead.
I congratulate CISF and take great pleasure in declaring Oorja 2017 CAPFs under 19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament open.
Thank you.
Jai Hind Jai Maharashtra