Jaipur District Olympic Association to honour Olympians Ram Singh and Gopal Saini on World Olympic Day on June 23
Jaipur: On the occasion of World Olympic Day, two senior Olympians of the state capital – Ram Singh and Gopal Saini – will be honoured by the Jaipur District Olympic Association on June 23.
This event is an important initiative towards promoting Olympic values in society and motivating the youth towards sports.
Jaipur District Olympic Association president Giriraj Khandelwal said, "World Olympic Day is not just a date but a day to reaffirm our commitment to the Olympic ideals – excellence, respect and friendship. Sports are not just a medium of competition, but also a powerful platform for social change, health awareness and youth development."
Every year on June 23, this day is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) (in 1894).
On this day the Olympic spirit is brought alive through sporting events, fitness campaigns, yoga sessions and mass participation programmes across the world.
This year the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is running a national digital campaign with the message 'Chalo Khelein, Swasth Rahein', aimed at connecting more and more people to sports.
Khandelwal said that this effort of Jaipur District Olympic Association not only honours the contribution of our proud Olympic players but also teaches the coming generations the importance of hard work, discipline and dedication towards the goal.
The event will be an inspiring moment for the sports lovers, coaches, players and youth of Jaipur city, spreading the message of imbibing the Olympic spirit – Play, Join and Grow.
He said, "This event on Olympic Day is a meaningful effort towards promoting social harmony, brotherhood and positive lifestyle."
Let's Play, Stay Healthy – Understand and play the role of sports in nation building.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Delhi ready to host 2036 Olympics, says CM Gupta
New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday that Delhi as well as the entire country is fully prepared to host the 2036 Olympic Games. She expressed confidence that the global community would grant this honour, and India would organise the sports extravaganza with full dedication. She was speaking after an event where, along with Union minister for youth affairs and sports Mansukh Mandaviya, she flagged off the Olympic Day Run at JLN Stadium. The president of the Indian Olympic Association, PT Usha, was present. Gupta said: "The Olympic Day celebration and run in Delhi brought immense joy, as thousands of residents participated enthusiastically." She mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation was progressing towards better sports infrastructure and facilities for athletes. The Olympic Day Run was held under the IOC's 'Let's Move' campaign, promoting fitness and inclusivity. "I am very happy that thousands of Delhi people participated in this organised Olympic run," she said. "Delhi is ready to host the 2036 Olympics. We want to get the privilege to host the Olympics. We will develop good infrastructure, and many sportspeople from every village and every state are getting good facilities from central govt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upexi's $100M Solana Investment: What It Means for Shareholders bullseyealerts Read More Undo Several athletes are being produced, and we are completely equipped," she said. Delhi govt has also proposed setting up six Khelo India centres across the city to nurture young talent and promote a culture of fitness. Awaiting approval from the Sports Authority of India, these facilities will offer training, equipment and coaching to aspiring athletes, a senior official said. The centres will be established across India under the Khelo India scheme. These can be at the state, district or block level, utilising existing sports facilities like schools or community centres. At present, thousands of athletes are being covered at SAI Training Centres (STCs), including erstwhile Special Area Games (SAG) centres funded under the State Level Khelo India Centre (SLKIC) vertical. The centres provide training and infrastructural facilities to players for athletics, football, volleyball, hockey, and kabaddi. These centres also serve as a means of spotting promising talent who can receive further training and monetary assistance. Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) in Gwalior, Ghaziabad, Delhi Cantt, and other cities have been adopted as SLKIC in partnership with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. Officials said that at these centres, the expenditure for lodging, boarding, education expenses, competition exposure, sports training, and equipment are incurred by the govt.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Olympic medal transformed our lives, says UP hockey stars
1 2 3 Lucknow: Winning an Olympic medal is no easy feat and demands unwavering dedication, relentless grit, and years of hard work. To represent the nation on the world's grandest sporting stage and to hold aloft the tricolour is an honour few achieve and those who do find their lives changed forever. On the occasion of Olympic Day, ToI spoke to two hockey Olympians from Uttar Pradesh, who shared how winning an Olympic medal became a turning point in their lives. "My achievement sparked pride and admiration — not just for me, but also for my family and community," said two-time Olympian Lalit Upadhyay. "After winning a medal, you realize the emotions and expectations attached to it. It's not just us who celebrate — the entire country erupts in a mix of happiness and pride. The Olympic medal has transformed my life. We were showered with prize money, financial rewards, and govt aid, along with public affection. Most significantly, the feeling of having done something historic for the country is priceless," said Lalit "I used to only hear stories about winning Olympic medals in hockey, but actually achieving one filled me with immense pride. Upon returning with the medal, I could see the same urge and ambition in children's eyes — a desire to compete in the Olympics and win medals for India," he said. "On a personal front, I received substantial financial rewards from the central and state govts, along with a job that provided financial stability for me and my family. What more could you ask for?" he added. "Winning an Olympic medal brought unprecedented recognition and respect. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo People in our community began to see me as a role model," said Paris Olympic bronze medallist Raj Kumar Pal. Pal said the biggest change in his life after winning an Olympic medal was the shift in people's attitudes toward him. "Neighbours now treat me with much more respect, and my family is happier due to our improved financial situation. Initially, people in my village didn't fully understand what it meant to be an Olympian — even after I won the medal. It was only when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath came to honour me that they realised I had achieved something significant. Now, I receive respect from everyone — a stark contrast to before, when very few acknowledged me," he said. "My village, Karampur, is now called a hockey nursery, and every budding player dreams of becoming an Olympian. That's the greatest motivation," Pal added. When asked about preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Pal said, "Currently, we are playing in the Men's FIH Pro League, but the focus remains on the Olympics. The priority is to stay fit and in form to secure a place in the team. Having won bronze medals in both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, we aim to change the colour of the medal in Los Angeles."
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Lalit Upadhyay bids farewell to int'l hockey on Oly Day
Lucknow: Two-time Olympic medallist Lalit Upadhyay has announced his retirement from international hockey on the occasion of Olympic Day. However, he will continue to play for his domestic team and the UP Police. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lalit (31), who hails from Bhagatpur village in Kashi, became only the second player from Uttar Pradesh to participate in three Hockey World Cups. Before him, only Ashok Dhyanchand had played in four World Cups. He began his hockey journey at UP College in Varanasi under coach Paramanand Mishra. After a rollercoaster career, he went on to become a part of the Indian national squad as a centre-forward and was instrumental in India's bronze medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Currently serving as a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) in Uttar Pradesh Police, Lalit boasts an illustrious hockey career. He represented India in two Olympics—Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024—winning bronze medals in both. He also participated in two Commonwealth Games: the 2018 Gold Coast edition (where India finished fourth) and the 2022 Birmingham edition, where he won a silver medal. In addition, he played in three World Cups and two Asian Games, securing two golds and one bronze. Speaking to the ToI from Belgium, Lalit confirmed his retirement from international events. "I had been contemplating this for a while; so much has happened, and I have fulfilled all the commitments I made to myself. It has been a long and wonderful career—a significant journey—and I am very happy. Retiring on Olympic Day is special to me because I started playing hockey with this dream in mind and concluded my international journey on the same day," he said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "You see, there is always something going on; a person is always battling with themselves—from anonymity to clearing one's name. There was a time when I joined the senior team, made a name for myself, achieved victories, made comebacks, and overcame struggles and hurdles. You should never stop fighting and should always keep striving. After 26 years, coming from Banaras, playing in the Olympics, winning medals, making a name from a humble background, and creating a unique global identity from a place like UP—starting new things—all of these matter deeply to me. I'm grateful for everything I have received, he added. He also shared an emotional post on his social media account: "This journey began in a small village, with limited resources but limitless dreams. From facing a sting operation to standing on the Olympic podium—not once, but twice—it's been a path full of challenges, growth, and unforgettable pride. Becoming an Olympian from my city after 26 years is something I'll always carry with honor and gratitude. I'm deeply thankful to my family, who stood by me in every phase of life. To my first coach, Shri Paramanand Mishra, who introduced me to hockey and built my foundation. To Harinder Sir, who gave me my first break by selecting me for Air India." He added,"Thankyou UP hockey and Hockey India"
