Traditional Sports Play Key Role in Youth Development, Says Sanjay Awasthi

Arki, June 14: Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi emphasized the importance of preserving traditional sports, stating that such events provide young people with opportunities to showcase their talent while encouraging them to stay away from social evils like drug abuse.

He was addressing the gathering at the 64th Vishal Dangal organized by the Mahavir Dangal Committee and the Public Works Department, Arki Division, at Arki Chaugan.

Awasthi said that Dangal is an integral part of India’s rich sporting heritage and should be preserved in its original form. He noted that traditional Indian wrestling is the foundation of modern wrestling and highlighted the achievements of Indian wrestlers who are bringing laurels to the country at international competitions.

He said events promoting traditional sports such as wrestling and kabaddi play an important role in encouraging youth participation in sports and strengthening rural sporting culture. The MLA added that the state government is committed to promoting sports activities in rural areas and is extending all possible support for such initiatives.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to encourage athletes, Awasthi said the state has significantly enhanced cash rewards for medal winners at the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympics. He noted that the reward for Olympic gold medalists has been increased from ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore, while silver and bronze medal winners will now receive ₹3 crore and ₹2 crore, respectively.

Expressing concern over the growing challenge of substance abuse, he said sports serve as an effective tool to channel the energy of young people in a positive direction. He urged the youth to stay away from drugs and motivate their peers to do the same, adding that the state government remains fully committed to combating drug abuse at all levels.