January 22, 2014
WB CM encourages the youth to participate in sports activities for all-round development
Stressing on unity of people in the plains and the hills, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday called for sustaining peace in Darjeeling and working for progress. At a function organised by the district administration to give away prizes to the winners of Himal-Terai Sports Meet, the Chief Minister laid stress on the unity of the state and motivated the young generation to work for the betterment of the state.
Footballers Bhaichung Bhutia, Mehtab Hossain and Alvito D`Cunha lauded the chief minister for encouraging sports in the hills. “This region has produced a lot of footballers for India and Didi`s (Mamata Banerjee) effort will further encourage budding footballers,” Bhutia, the former India captain said.
WB announced that the state government would give Rs 1.7 crore for upgrading the Kanchenjunga stadium. Stating that over 400 clubs participated at today`s programmes, she announced Rs 25,000 to each of them.
Speaking on the occasion, WB CM highlighted the importance of sports in the complete grooming of an individual. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, she said a person can attain divinity by playing football, instead of reading holy books.
“Sports and culture are your assets. You must study as well as participate in sports. We will resume Darjeeling Gold Cup tournament soon. It was stopped earlier but needs to be started again. I trust my new generation, the future generation. You are our future. You have to build a moral character. We need dedication, determination and devotion. That can be achieved through sports. You have to lead the country. Be strong and be steady. You can achieve anything, if you believe in it,” the Chief Minister told the youngsters present at Lebong stadium.
