Kiren Rijiju: No stadium is complete till it has facilities for para-athletes

The minister revealed that over 10 crore people have participated in the ‘Fit India’ campaign.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has stated that over 10 crore people have participated in the government’s ‘Fit India’ campaign. Rijiju also shed his thoughts on the facilities provided by his ministry for para-athletes. The 48-year-old was addressing a rally of Central Reserve Police Force at Rajghat.

Seven specially-abled CRPF troops had cycled about 1,000 kilometres in 16 days from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to Delhi. Kiren Rijiju received them and mentioned, “When uniformed forces like the CRPF join such a mission or campaign, they motivate many people.” Commenting on the cycle rally, Rijiju observed that these individuals carry the message of peace, determination and passion.

The ‘Fit India’ movement was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 29, 2019. Rijiju addressed the initiative and mentioned that the campaign aimed to improve the mental and physical health of the citizens. “I conducted a review of the 'Fit India' campaign that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I am happy to tell you that over 10 crore people have participated in it till now,” he further revealed.

The minister admitted that much more needs to be done for the nation’s para-athletes. However, he also claimed, “We have given instructions in my ministry that no stadium or sporting facility will be considered complete till it has facilities for the specially-abled.” He asserted that the government does not differentiate between sportspeople. “There is no discrimination whether it is a regular athlete or para-athlete,” Rijiju maintained.

General A P Maheshwari is the Director-General of the CRPF. He heaped praise on the participants of the cycle rally. Maheshwari also elaborated on the strategies of the force for officers who suffered injuries while on duty. “This policy aims at first skilling the 'divyang' warriors in para-sports and later imparting them technology-related skills that will enable them to serve the nation as cyber professionals,” PTI quoted the D-G saying.

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