The four-day inter-university sports meet “Sportikon 2024”, hosted by Bennett University (BU), saw the participation of over 1,200 athletes from 51 colleges and universities across India. The event, which ended on Sunday, featured 14 sports competitions, as well as workshops for students who want to pursue a career in sports, following the vision of Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. The winners of the 14 sports categories came from various universities and top colleges, with Bennett University bagging a gold medal in football, as well as powerlifting, shot put, and discus throw.
OP Jindal Global University emerged the champion in cricket, tennis, table tennis, and chess.
The training programmes and workshops offered by “Sportikon 2024” for students interested in a career in sports was in line with the message of Mr Thakur, who, in his virtual address as the chief guest on February 22 asked students to consider sports as a feasible career option.
Bennett University’s 4-day sports extravaganza, Sportikon 2024 witnessed a motivating address by Shri Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting.
Watch it on YouTube- https://t.co/0pMoZHVRj6@ianuragthakur @Anurag_Office— Bennett University (@bennettuniv) February 22, 2024
Mr Thakur highlighted how Khelo India and Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) have changed the sports scene in India. He said over 300 sports infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,000 crore have been set up under the Khelo India initiative.
The groundbreaking effort of the Khelo India programme added 1,000 new athletes every year, providing them with complete funding for training, accommodation, diet, and a monthly allowance, the Union Minister said.
“TOPS has provided athletes with international exposure, training, and world-class coaching along with financial support ranging from Rs 25,000-50,000 per month as out-of-pocket allowance,” Mr Thakur said.
Mr Thakur pointed out that in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of youth being the driving force of Bharat, the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform was launched on October 31, 2023.
He encouraged students to go online and join this platform, and especially, the Khelo India Talent Hunt portal launched on MY Bharat, which he said acknowledges the vital need for practical exposure along with classroom learning for today’s youth.
Bennett University’s Sportikon 2.0 Day 1 was a day filled with thrilling matches, fierce competition, and unbridled passion for sports. Electrifying cheers and the spirit of teamwork were the spectacle of the day.#Sportikon2.0 #BennettUniversity #SportsMeet #Event #SportsEvent pic.twitter.com/FeOvXAGcrv
— Bennett University (@bennettuniv) February 22, 2024
“Bennett University, with its admirable efforts in improving the sporting ecosystem, is a proof of the transformative power of sports. Let us welcome the upcoming achievements of Sportikon with enthusiasm and determination, as India is on the verge of greatness in the field of sports during this auspicious Amrit Kaal. Let us make India a sporting superpower,” Mr Thakur said.
Vineet Jain, Chancellor, Bennett University and MD, The Times Group, praised the participants of “Sportikon 2024”. “Bennett University fosters inclusivity, diversity and a fair sports culture by inviting participation from all segments,” Mr Jain said.
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