Amidst lot of enthusiasm and amongst the presence of star athletes, the citizens welcomed 'Monnet Go for Gold' torch rally , an initiative by Sandeep Jajodia led Monnet Ispat & Energy Limited at Yashwant Stadium on Sunday. The initiative was supported by Lokmat Media Limited.
Talented boxer Vijender Singh who will represent India in forthcoming London Olympic and world champion shooter Tejaswini Sawant were the main attraction of the programme. BJP national president Nitin Gadkari, managing director of Monnet Ispat & Energy Limited Sandeep Jajodia, chairman of Lokmat Media Limited and Rajya Sabha member Vijay Darda, guardian minister of Nagpur district Shivajirao Moghe and Rajya Sabha member Ajay Sancheti also graced the occasion.
The programme began with hoisting of tri-colour and national anthem. Speaking on the occasion Mr Gadkari who himself is a sports lover lamented that other sports than cricket is not getting enough recognition and exposure in the country. He also complimented Monnet Group for taking noble initiative. " It will inspire the budding Indian sportspersons to bring laurels to the country in big sporting events like Olympics".
He further said that government will definitely help the sports associations but at the same time the corporate houses and businessman like Mr Jajodia should come forward and extend their support to the sports.
Mr Vijay Darda said he was optimistic that Indian boxers will win the maximum medals in the London Olympics. He also complimented Sandeep Jajodia for organising the torch rally and supporting the boxers. "Sandeep has taken great initiative. We are with you and I am hopeful that other business houses will also follow you", said Mr Darda.
Mr Shivajirao Moghe said, " Although the country has enough talent, we are lagging behind in sports but such initiatives will inspire the youths to work hard and bring laurels to the country".
On the occasion Sandeep Jajodia spoke about the objective behind this initiative. He said, " Through this rally we want to connect each Indian with sports and encourage the sportspersons. in this 120 crore population nation youths are the real force but at the same time I am sorry to say that we are lagging behind in sports". Mr Jajodia also said, " No doubt cricket is very popular sports in country but we should develop India as one of the world class sports nation". Vijender Singh who clinched bronze medal in Beijing Olympics assured the countryman that this time also they will ring the medals. " Don"t worry we will bring the medals for you", said Vijender.
Shooter Tejaswini Sawant said whole the country is encouraging the sportspersons as a family. Their support will help the athletes to make their mark in the Olympics. Then all the dignitaries flagged of the rally for its next journey and released balloons in the air.
Deputy director of sports Jaiprakash Duble, DSO Subhash Gangreddiwar, Sakhi Manch president Jyotsna Darda, director (operations) Lokmat Media Limited Ashok Jain, director (technical) Ramesh Bora and others were also present on the occasion.
It can be mentioned here that the rally was flagged off in Jammu on March 1 2012 to kick start a historic crusade of 12 budding athletes carrying a symbolic torch for over 6000 kms across 50 cities with an endeavor to unite India for a common cause. Indian boxer Vijender Singh (2nd left) , guardian minister of Nagpur district Shivajirao Moghe, chairman of Lokmat Media Limited and Rajya Sabha member Vijay Darda, MD of Monnet Ispat & Energy Limited Sandeep Jajodia and shooter Tejaswini Sawant holding a sports torch during Monnet Go for Gold rally at Yashwant Stadium on Sunday. Lokmat Sakhi Manch president Jyotsna Darda holding a flag while others look on (Right) Budding athletes participating in rally with lot of enthusiasm. Pics by Mukeshj Kukde/ VishalMahakalkar
News taken from http://epaper.lokmat
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