NAGPUR: "I am really amazed to see so many athletes getting a platform to showcase their talent under one roof. I have learnt many things from sports, which teaches us to never give up. Sports help us to carve our own identity in this world," said former Indian women's cricket captain Mithali Raj on Sunday evening.
Mithali was speaking at the inaugural function of the fifth edition of the country's first multisport festival – Khasdar Krida Mahotsav (KKM-5) – at the athletics track at Divisional Sports Complex.
Mithali was joined by Indian athletics legend PT Usha in declaring the 15-day sporting extravaganza, an initiative of Union minister Nitin Gadkari, open.
Thousands of city sportspersons braved a cold wave and thronged the synthetic track of Mankapur stadium, where players of all 55 disciplines participated in a march past after national yogasana champion Vaibhav Shrirame handed over the torch to PT Usha to light the games' flame. While Mithali unfurled the KKM-5 flag, star Vidarbha cricketer Umesh Yadav administered the oath to the participants.
In her inaugural address Mithali said, "Gone are the days when sports were just played for fun or time pass. One must consider it a serious career option. The most important aspect sports gives us is our own identity. It also gives one physical as well as mental strength."
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha said, "Though not all sportspersons become Olympians, sports help in making them good citizens." She recalled her memories of the city and how as a 14-year-old she was inspired to do something for the country while participating in the National School Games at Nagpur.
She said, "I got the inspiration to do something for the country at Nagpur itself. I visited the same place yesterday where I won three gold medals. I have fond memories of Nagpur. This city has changed a lot for the better." Lauding Gadkari for initiating the multisport festival, Usha added, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a lot of initiatives are being taken for the development of sports."
Gadkari said, "I hope the smiles are back on the faces of city sportspersons with KKM-5. There is no dearth of talent in the region. If talented sportspersons get exposure, they will bring laurels for the country. The objective of Khasdar Krida Mahotsav is to provide that platform. This is a big platform for sportsperson to showcase their talent. I hope someday, someone from this event will bring laurels for India."
Convener of the event Sandip Joshi gave the introductory remarks, while NMC sports officer Piyush Ambulkar proposed the vote of thanks.
