Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a stadium named after Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra. This stadium is at Army Sports Institute in Pune. Army Chief General MM Naravane and Neeraj Chopra were also present at the occasion.
“Felicitated Subedar Neeraj Chopra at the Army Sports Institute in Pune today for his amazing performance at Tokyo Olympics. He made the country proud by winning the Olympics Gold Medal. Now, the ASI has renamed the Stadium after him. Wishing him success in his future endeavours,” Singh tweeted.
The Defence Minister also facilitated other armed force personnel who participated in the Tokyo Olympics.
Among those, who were felicitated were Tarundeep Rai (Archery), Pravin Jadhav (Archery), Amit (Boxing), Manish Kaushik (Boxing), Satish Kumar (Boxing), CA Kuttappa (Boxing coach), Chotelal Yadav (Boxing coach – Mary Kom’s coach), Deepak Punia (Wrestling), Arjun Lal Jat and Arvind Singh (Rowing), Vishnu Saravanan (Sailing) and Neeraj.
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Speaking to reporters at the event, he said that the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working towards promoting sports in the country.
“We are fully committed to promoting sports. Our PM is working to encourage sports and sportspersons. The centre is making all efforts to encourage players. State governments are also playing a crucial role in this process,” he said.
“I am waiting for that moment, when India will get an opportunity to host the Olympic Games,” said Singh while addressing the gathering. Army Chief General MM Naravane was present on the occasion.
ASI, Pune has produced 34 Olympians, 22 Commonwealth Games medalists, 21 Asian Games medalists, six Youth Games medalists and 13 Arjuna Awardees so far, it said.
( With inputs from ANI)
