Bhubaneswar: On National Sports Day, celebrated on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati called upon the people of Odisha and India to strive for sporting excellence.
Speaking at a state-level National Sports Day celebration organized by the Sports and Youth Services Department at Jayadev Bhawan, the Governor urged everyone to instill the values of discipline, teamwork, courage, and humility inspired by Major Dhyan Chand.
The ceremony began with a welcome speech by Sports and Youth Services, Secretary Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav.
Governor Shri Kambhampati emphasized the importance of nurturing the inherent talent and potential of children in sports. He stated that it is our duty to encourage them towards excellence. The event saw the presentation of the prestigious Biju Patnaik Sports and Bravery Awards.
Congratulating the recipients of the Biju Patnaik Sports Award, the Governor remarked that their achievements are not merely individual victories but a source of collective pride for the state and the nation. He hailed them as “torchbearers of Odisha’s sporting spirit” and “role models for the coming generation.”
Similarly, he lauded the Biju Patnaik Bravery Award winners, noting that their courage and selfless acts “reflect the true spirit of Odisha and will continue to inspire countless young hearts to serve with fearlessness and humanity.”
In his tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, the Governor said that his life and birth anniversary serve as a reminder that sports are more than just a competition of strength or skill; they are a celebration of discipline, strong determination, and undaunted sportsmanship. He added that a society that embraces sports not only fosters healthy citizens but also promotes a sense of community and teamwork.
The Governor highlighted Odisha’s long-standing reputation as a hub for sporting excellence, which has been enhanced by its successful hosting of national and international events. He credited this positive change in the sports sector to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the active efforts of the Odisha Government, which are creating a rich ecosystem for sports as both a profession and a way of life, starting from the grassroots level.
Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Higher Education, Odia Language, Literature and Culture Shri Suryabansi Suraj and Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Shri Babu Singh also attended the ceremony as guests of honour. They spoke about the government’s various initiatives for the development of sports and sportspersons in Odisha and sought public cooperation to translate the state’s potential into success. They also mentioned how Odisha has gained global recognition for organizing major sports events.
Director Dr. Yedula Vijay proposed the vote of thanks. The event concluded with the felicitation of eight sportspersons with the Biju Patnaik Sports Award and two individuals with the Biju Patnaik Bravery Award for their extraordinary acts of courage.