Rajnath Singh felicitates Defence Forces Olympians, renames ASI stadium after Neeraj Chopra; See Pics-

Pune, Aug 28: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday inaugurated a stadium named after Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra at Army Sports Institute in Maharashtra's Pune. Army Chief General MM Naravane and Neeraj Chopra were also present at the inauguration ceremony.

 

 

 

The Union Minister said the Army Sports Institute (ASI) has renamed the stadium after Neeraj Chopra, who won gold at Tokyo Olympics 2020 in men's Javelin Throw event held earlier this year. He also wished him success in all his future endeavours. During his maiden visit, the Minister felicitated Olympians from the three services. He then addressed the troops and interacted with the budding sportsmen of Army Sports Institute.

 

 

In a tweet he said, "Felicitated Subedar Neeraj Chopra at the Army Sports Institute in Pune today for his amazing performance at Tokyo Olympics. He made the country proud by winning the Olympics Gold Medal. Now, the ASI has renamed the Stadium after him. Wishing him success in his future endeavours." "Delighted to facilitate all the Armed Forces personnel who participated in the Tokyo Olympics. My good wishes to them for a successful career ahead," he added.

 

The Ministry of Defence stated that ASI has produced 34 Olympians, 22 Commonwealth Games medalists, 21 Asian Games medalists, six Youth Games medalists and 13 Arjuna Awardees.

 

 

He further said that the institute has evolved as a premier sports training institute to prepare the service sportspersons for international competitions through scientific talent identification, systematic training, world-class coaching, sports science support, international exposure and good infrastructure support in synergy with the Armed Forces, National Sports Federation and other sports agencies at national and international levels.

 

Defence Minister complimented Army Sports Institute for the exceptional training facilities being provided to the sportsperson of the country. He offered full support in providing financial and administrative assistance to the institute. The visit of the Raksha Mantri boosted the morale of the sportsmen, who are striving towards achieving the aim of excellence for the country.

 

 

Earlier, he also visited Headquarters Southern Command based at Pune. He was briefed by Lieutenant General JS Nain, Army Commander, Southern Command on various operational, training and administrative issues of the largest command of Indian Army. He complimented Southern Command for its professional approach and operational readiness towards ensuring sovereignty of the Nation.

 

He also congratulated the Command for its outstanding contribution in various Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in peninsular India, particularly towards assistance provided to civil administration in the recent flood relief operations and the pandemic. He appreciated the efforts of Southern Command for engaging with Research & Development institutes to further the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government.