Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports News

Despite the lack of specific figures, Finance Minister Sitharaman did acknowledge the stellar achievements of Indian athletes in her concise budget speech.

India`s 94-year-old BhagwaniDevi Ji proved that age is no bar. She won a GOLD medal at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Tampere in the 100m sprint event with a timing of 24.74 seconds. 

Sports Ministry announced to name all sports facilities, hostels of Sports Authority of India after eminent sportspersons. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju said, "To build a sports culture in the country, it is important that our sportspersons get the honour that they deserve." He added, "Only then will the younger generations be enthused to take up sport as a career."

Kalaripayattu has its origin from Kerala and has practitioners all over the world, whereas, Mallakhamba has been well-known across India and MP and Maharashtra have been hotspots of this sport. Gatka originates from the State of Punjab and this traditional fighting style of the Nihang Sikh Warriors is used both as self-defense as well as a sport. Thang-Ta is a Manipur martial art and has passed into oblivion in recent decades.

Rijiju also laid foundation for a synthetic track and astroturf for football in Lehat Open Stadium and the estimated cost of the project is Rs 10.68 crore. As part of month-and-half-long Fit India Freedom Run from August 15 to October 2, the Sports Minister personally participated in Cyclothon earlier in the day. The Sports Minister stressed that Khelo India, University Games and Winter Games are encouraging the students, youth and people to take part in sporting activities.

Ramananda, who is the eldest son of a rickshaw-puller, has represented India in the U-17 Asian Football Soccer Championships in Guwahati in 2017 as well as the U-12/U-13 National Sub-Junior Championships in 2013 in Kalyani and U-15 National Championships in Delhi in 2015. "The son of a rickshaw-puller, his family does not have the means to provide him necessary treatment," said the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. He is currently at Shija Hospital in Manipur.

Rathore's statement comes following the arrest of four SAI officials including the Director.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Wednesday wrote a letter to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) asking them to reconsider the selection of teams or athletes for the upcoming Asian Games 2018.

It was a reception on India`s Independence Day arranged by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as well as the Embassy in Brazil.

The festival coincides with the 153rd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.