Rajasthan Minister Ramlal Jat inaugurated the Rural Olympic Games with the slogan 'Fit Rajasthan, Hit Rajasthan'.  Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's vision to organize the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Olympic Games has borne fruit, with the games beginning across 652 village panchayats across Udaipur district on Monday, 29 August.

The Rajiv Gandhi Rural Olympic Games flag was hoisted at Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Higher Secondary School of Badgaon Gram Panchayat in Udaipur by District Minister in-charge and State Revenue Minister Ramlal Jat. The Minister addressed the Salute to the march past by participating teams and announced the beginning of the tournament by raising the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Olympic Games flag. Addressing the gathering, District Collector Tarachand Meena told the players to take part in this sporting extravaganza in a sportsmanlike manner and compete with discipline.

“Major Dhyan Chand was born on this day, and he was renowned as the wizard of Hockey. Today is also Sports Day, and I congratulate all sportsmen and sportswomen on their achievements.” – Minister Ramlal Jat.

Sports keeps one healthy and strong

Hon’bleMinister Ramlal Jat added that the ex-Prime Minister, late Rajiv Gandhi was a sports enthusiast and ushered in the sports revolution in India. Rajiv Gandhi is also credited with ushering in the technology revolution, and the establishment of Jawaha Navodaya Vidyalay’s across the country was a step in this direction.

“Rural talent will get a chance on the national sporting platform through this initiative”– ex-Minister Mangilal Garasia.

Former minister Mangilal Garasiya addressing the gathering, said that villagers have shown enthusiasm by registering for this mega sporting event in lakhs.  This enthusiasm and participation in this initiative by the Chief Minister, is unprecedented and speaks of the inspiration that rural folk have derived out of this.

The District Collector said that Udaipur has always been a pioneer in sports and athletes like Limbaram, Phoolchand and Shyamlal from this region have risen to national and international fame. He prompted the villagers to vow to reach a level of skill where they can go on to participate in the Commonwealth Games.