Latest news with #RakshaKhadse
India Gazette
10 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Fit India Sundays on Cycle Pandharpur Edition 2025 sees over 5000 cyclists
Pandharpur, (Maharashtra) [India] June 22 (ANI): In a remarkable fusion of spiritual devotion, physical fitness, and environmental consciousness, the 4th Akhil Maharashtra Pandharpur Cycle Wari Sammelan - 2025 was celebrated with great fervour and unity, according to a release from Sai Media. This mega event of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was jointly organised by the Sports Authority of India, Regional Centre - Mumbai, and the Pandharpur Cycle Wari Sangh. Over 5000 cyclists representing more than 90 cycling clubs from across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya pradesh participated in the event. These dedicated cyclists undertook a journey spanning 400 to 450 kilometres, starting 3-4 days in advance, to reach the holy town of Pandharpur, Solapur district in Maharashtra. They actively took part in the spiritually significant Nagar Pradakshina and the energetic Ringan Sohala, showcasing exemplary determination, devotion, and endurance. The event was honoured by the esteemed presence of several dignitaries like Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for youth affairs and Sports J B Gore, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Govt of Maharashtra. Among others were Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil, MP, Prashant Paricharak, Member of Legislative Council, Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil, Member of Legislative Council, Pandurang Chate, IRS, Regional Director, Sports Authority of India, RC Mumbai & Amit Samarth, Renowned Endurance Cyclist & 19-time Ironman, Nagpur The Railway Ground, Pandharpur, was transformed into a vibrant centre of energy and inspiration under the Fit India - Sundays on Cycle banner. The event conveyed a powerful message promoting sustainable transport, community health, and spiritual unity, reinforcing that cycling is not just a sport but a way of life aligned with a healthier and greener India. Echoing the spirit of the Fit India Movement, the event promoted the national fitness mantra: 'Fitness Ka Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz' , encouraging every citizen to embrace physical activity as a daily habit and contribute to building a fitter, environmentally conscious nation. (ANI)
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Hosting 2036 Olympics will be win-win for India
India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics is not merely an attempt to make a statement internationally but also a well thought out plan to create world-class infrastructure, bolster the economy and tackle pressing social issues affecting the country's youth, says Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse. In an exclusive interview to PTI, the 38-year-old three-time Lok Sabha MP from Maharashtra's Raver constituency, dismissed criticism from some quarters that the country needs to focus more on becoming a sporting powerhouse before aiming for something as expensive as hosting the Olympics. 'Preparing to host events like the 2036 Olympics or the 2030 Commonwealth Games is about creating world-class infrastructure, economic investment, and legacy systems that directly benefit athlete development,' she asserted in the interaction at her office here. 'Sports is also a way to deal with so many issues such as depression and even drug addiction. And keeping all this in mind, when you bring an event like the Olympics to the country, it becomes a galvanising force even socially. It creates a fitness movement of its own and enhances the output of a nation. It's a win-win for all,' explained the deputy to union minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Hosting 2036 Olympics will be win-win for India in every aspect: MoS sports
India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics is not merely an attempt to make a statement internationally but also a well thought out plan to create world-class infrastructure, bolster the economy and tackle pressing social issues affecting the country's youth, says Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse. In an exclusive interview to PTI, the 38-year-old three-time Lok Sabha MP from Maharashtra's Raver constituency, dismissed criticism from some quarters that the country needs to focus more on becoming a sporting powerhouse before aiming for something as expensive as hosting the Olympics. "Preparing to host events like the 2036 Olympics or the 2030 Commonwealth Games is about creating world-class infrastructure, economic investment, and legacy systems that directly benefit athlete development," she asserted in the interaction at her office here. "Sports is also a way to deal with so many issues such as depression and even drug addiction. And keeping all this in mind, when you bring an event like the Olympics to the country, it becomes a galvanising force even socially. It creates a fitness movement of its own and enhances the output of a nation. It's a win-win for all," explained the deputy to union minister Mansukh Mandaviya. India's bid to host the Games will pick up pace next month when a delegation comprising officials from the sports ministry, and the Indian Olympic Association heads to Lausanne for discussions with the International Olympic Committee after submitting its letter of intent last year. "There is no denying that by hosting an Olympics, we will make a statement. It's a sign that you are a developed country. But at the same time, it also gives the youth an opportunity to take the lead as nation-builders." To drive home the point that hosting the Games and developing Indian sports need not be seen in isolation, she cited the World Para-Athletics Championships in Delhi later this year because of which the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is being renovated with a MondoTrack, the most advanced surface for track events currently in use globally. "We are ensuring that every rupee spent has a long-term multiplier impact," Khadse, only the second woman and the youngest to be assigned the sports ministry, assured. The 2024 Paris Olympics cost over $9 billion while the upcoming 2028 Games in Los Angles are estimated to require a spending of more than $7 billion. More often than not, the projected cost exceeds the final expenses by a significant margin. The 2016 Rio Summer Games have been the most expensive so far, costing $23.6 billion. NSFs aligning with Ministry's vision The ambitious Olympics bid would also require a cohesive administrative system to work seamlessly, but India's National Sports Federations (NSFs) have often been mired in turf wars and one-upmanship, leading to court cases that end up hurting the prospects of athletes. Khadse said the ministry is focussing on accountability without compromising on autonomy of the administrators to ensure better coordination. "There should not be politics and athletes should be the focus, their growth should be priority. The federations should have their autonomy but there should also be greater harmony between NSFs and the ministry," she said. "It is very important to achieve this given that we are aiming to host the 2036 Olympics. It would require a cohesive approach. The ministry, NSFs and the IOA cannot pull in different directions, their goal has to align," she added. The ministry and the IOA have differed on the subject of autonomy. IOA President P T Usha has stated that plans to have a regulatory body to oversee NSF functioning, as proposed by the draft sports bill, would undermine the IOA and be construed as government interference by the IOC. "Mansukh bhai has spoken to all NSFs, and tried to understand their difficulties and issues. We are also working towards reducing litigation so that administration does not suffer. Our aim is to ensure that athletes get the best. The ministry is guiding the NSFs on this goal and they are responding positively to it." Awareness key to tackling doping Another thorny issue for Indian sports is the menace of doping. The country continues to rank high in the global list of dope offenders and has struggled to tackle the problem despite increased awareness. Khadse said while she supports penal action against those who encourage doping among minors, it is not prudent to criminalise it. "Agreed that those doing it at the elite level are probably aware of the various aspects of doping but those who are at a much junior level or have not reached the elite level are not as aware. They buy things without realising the consequences or on the advice of coaches," she pointed out. "The recently amended National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 already empowers the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) with legal authority and investigative powers similar to law enforcement bodies. "We want to start Compulsory Anti-Doping Education for athletes, coaches, and parents as well as randomised testing at State and Junior Levels. Those who facilitate drugs or doping to minors should be penalised under a strict law," she said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Role of youth crucial in realising PM's vision of ‘developed India'
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse has said that the youth of the country had a great role to play in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed nation by the year 2047 through their active contribution. Speaking at the Rozgar Mela held at Deshpande Foundation Auditorium on BVB College Campus in Hubballi on Saturday, the Minister urged the youth to work towards realising the dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) after securing employment. She said 2047 marked a century of India's independence, and in order to realise the dream of it being a developed nation as per the vision of the PM, the youth must contribute actively. Ms Raksha said rozgar melas were being held twice a year and appointment orders were being issued. She called on the youth to take full advantage of these opportunities. On the occasion, the Union Minister handed over appointment letters to over 50 candidates for positions in various departments, including the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), Central University, India Post, Railways, Income Tax Department, and the Insurance Department. MLAs Arvind Bellad and Mahesh Tenginakai, Income Tax Commissioner Shishir Damija and other officials were present. Later, speaking to presspersons, Ms. Khadse claimed that the NDA government had given more government jobs compared to the UPA government in its 10 years of administration. She also said that the NDA government had also generated direct and indirect employment through various programmes including Make in India, Mudra Yojna, start-ups and more.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Wrestling key to India's Olympic dream, says Union min in Kota
1 2 Kota: The three-day Under-20 National Wrestling Competition concluded at Raghurai Sports Complex in Nayapura, Kota, Tuesday. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Union minister of state for sports Raksha Khadse said wrestling is deeply embedded in India's culture and will play a key role in the nation's bid to host the 2036 Olympics. Khadse said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decade-long push to promote sports has improved training and infrastructure, boosting India's medal tally in international events. She stressed that beyond medals, the goal is to ensure the physical and mental fitness of the youth through initiatives like Fit India and Khelo India , which also instil unity and discipline. State sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore announced the launch of the 'Target Olympic Podium Scheme' in the state, mirroring the national model. Under the scheme, 50 athletes will receive funding and the freedom to choose their coaches to prepare for international competitions. To strengthen grassroots fitness, Rathore said open gyms will be established at gram panchayat levels, furthering the Fit India Movement . Rajasthan's minister of water Resources, Suresh Rawat, reaffirmed the govt's long-term commitment to support athletes and develop sports infrastructure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like SEU + MIT MBA – Shine Big! Atmia Education Apply Now Undo The event was attended by Indian Wrestling Federation president Sanjay Singh, former state minister Ramgopal Bairwa, and Anuj Chaudhary, a former international wrestler and deputy superintendent of police from Uttar Pradesh. The competition was organised by Rajasthan State Wrestling Association.
