Hockey feeder center to be set up in Madhya Pradesh for children: Minister Vishwas Sarang urges youngsters to spend an hour on sports field
Various sports competitions and fitness activities were organized across the state to mark National Sports Day. Friendly hockey matches were held at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in the capital, Bhopal.
Events at the TT Nagar Stadium included a sports science seminar and competitions in karate, volleyball, weightlifting, football, judo, boxing, and wrestling, alongside 'fun games' for parents. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Sarang attended these events and encouraged the athletes.
He announced the launch of a hockey feeder center for children aged 6 to 12. Minister Sarang stated that this feeder center would ensure the holistic development of children by providing proper training and a platform for their sporting talent from an early age.
Reduce screen time: Sarang
While attending the sports science seminar, he urged the youth to reduce screen time and spend an hour on the sports field to ensure their physical, mental, and overall development.
Subject matter experts provided guidance to the athletes on topics such as nutrition and injury management during the seminar.
Training for Children Aged 6–12 at the Feeder Center
Minister Sarang noted that 11 sports academies are currently operational in Madhya Pradesh. He added that arrangements are now being made to groom talent for these sports academies starting at an even younger age.
Under this initiative, children aged 6 to 12 will receive training through feeder centers. Minister Shri Sarang stated that the aim is to scout talent not merely at the academy level, but from the grassroots level upwards. Through these feeder centers, the sporting talent of young children will be identified; they will receive foundational training and be provided with opportunities to progress according to their potential.
Friendly Hockey Matches
The first friendly hockey match of the program was played between MP Academy and Bhopal Wanderers, with MP Academy winning 3-0. Players from both teams displayed excellent skills on the field, generating great enthusiasm among the spectators.
Additionally, to encourage female athletes, a friendly hockey match was held in the women's category between Raisen Queen and Bhopal Tigress; Bhopal Tigress won the match 3–2 in a shootout.