Vishwas Sarang opens Raja Bhoj Multi Class Sailing Championship at Upper Lake; Bhopal emerging as global destination for water sports, says Minister
Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang inaugurated the Raja Bhoj Multi Class Sailing Championship 2025 at Upper Lake in Khanugaon, Bhopal on Tuesday. On this occasion, Sarang said that Bhopal is not only a city of lakes but also an emerging global destination for water sports. Madhya Pradesh is the leading state in the country in water sports. Its proof is the success achieved by our players in the country's first Khelo India Water Sports Festival held in Srinagar. He said that even in national and international competitions, the players of Madhya Pradesh have enhanced the prestige of the state by winning many medals.
GOC PM Sub Area, Major General Shri Sumit Kabthiyal, Commodore EME EC Brigadier Anil Das, SM (Retd) Vice President YAI Major General Soma Pillai, Brigadier GS Julka (Retd) and officials of Army and Sports Department were also present in the program.
Possibilities of Madhya Pradesh in organizing events under 2036 Olympics
Sarang said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a positive and strong environment has been created for sports in the country. India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympic Games. If India gets this opportunity, then Madhya Pradesh has excellent infrastructure available for organizing shooting, horse riding and especially water sports.
He said that Bhopal's Upper Lake and the banks of Maa Narmada are the best places for international level competitions. In this direction, he has also urged Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to make Madhya Pradesh a major center for organizing water sports.
Army and Sports Department will together develop water sports
Minister Vishwas Sarang said that the Army has developed modern infrastructure for water sports at Khanugaon Upper Lake. To make it better, the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, the Yachting Association of India and the Army will work together. He said that with this joint effort, we will work towards making Bhopal the country's water sports hub.
Youth will get a platform: New talents will be developed
Vishwas Sarang said that sports are the most effective medium for personality development of youth. Sports not only increase physical efficiency and discipline but also develop confidence and leadership skills in life. He said that such competitions provide many opportunities to the youth and help in preparing international level players for the future. He also wished all the participants a bright future.
Features of the competition
This competition is a ranking competition of the Yachting Association of India. The competition will run till September 21 and players from 13 major cities including Bhopal, Shillong, Chennai, Secunderabad, Kochi and Mumbai are participating in it. During the competition, players will showcase their sporting skills in Optimist (Under 16), Techno (Under 15), ILCA4 (Under 18), IQ Foil (Under 19), 420 Mixed (Under 19) and 29 ER (Under 19) categories.