Health Minister Hrishikesh Patel, today, inaugurated the state level karate competition for women at Kadi Sarva Vidyalaya in Gandhinagar under the 11th Khel Maha Kumbh program. Here, 1500 women will compete against each other during the three days. This time, Patel said, the Khel Maha Kumbh has given a new direction to the talents of young sports-persons living in remote areas of the state. These young athletes have enhanced the pride of Gujarat state and country at national and international level with their talent.
Patel further said that every sport teaches life lessons and prepares young individuals to face the world. Sport teaches a person many things like teamwork, passion to reach goals, self-awareness, determination, strengths and weaknesses, he said. “We have to go through the experience of, both, defeat and victory, in sports. Defeat in the game instils humility in the child while victory strengthens the virtue of confidence.
Talking about the empowerment of women, Patel urged more and more women to take up sports. He said that although women in Gujarat are safe because of good governance, women should take up Karate and other disciplines that are related to self-defense.
District Development Officer Dr. Om Prakash was also present at the event. He too addressed the opening ceremony at the karate competition. Insisting that sports make the body perfect, Dr. Prakash said, “Sports is essential for the physical and mental development of the body. The Khel Mahakubh started by the Prime Minister of the country is a new experiment of the state. More than 2 lakh competitors have joined this event in Mehsana district. Khel Mahakumbh is gaining the name of Gujarat nationally and internationally.”
This state-level Karate competition for women is being held from May 19 to 22, jointly organized by the Department of Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities of the State Government as well as Sports Authority of Gujarat Gandhinagar and District Administration. On the second day women under 17 years of age and on the third day the OPE AIS women will compete.
The 11th edition of Khel Maha Kumbh opened on March 12 in Ahmedabad, where in all 56 lakh students and citizens are participating in various sports competitions. This year the Kumbh will also include special event for the mentally and physically challenged participants.
