Nirbhik Bangla, 29 August: National Sports Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in Asansol on Saturday to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. As part of the 'Fit India' campaign aimed at keeping the country's young generation physically and mentally healthy, a 5-kilometre marathon was organised in the city. This colourful marathon started from the Domohani RPF Barrage in Asansol and concluded at Kazi Nazrul University near Kalla More on National Highway 19. Since the morning, a large number of young men and women, sports lovers, and local enthusiastic citizens spontaneously participated in this event. There was unprecedented excitement along the marathon route, and local residents also stood on both sides of the road to encourage the runners.
The distinguished MLA of Asansol North was present as the chief guest of this marathon and inaugurated the event, encouraging all participating runners. He officially flagged off the marathon by cutting a ribbon and waving a flag, and thanked everyone involved for the successful organisation. His presence and inspirational speech created an extra wave of enthusiasm among the assembled youth and athletes.
In his inaugural speech, the MLA urged the youth to stay away from one of the biggest curses of the current generation—drugs and excessive mobile addiction—and to engage in sports and various physical activities. He strongly stated that maintaining regular physical fitness is extremely essential for building a healthy, strong India and a progressive society. He expressed the view that there is no substitute for sports in the fight against the way the younger generation is becoming overly dependent on technology today.
He further stated that responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the 'Fit India' movement, various public awareness sports and physical fitness programmes are being organised across the country over three days. Through this successful marathon, the organisers not only made the general public aware of the necessity of regular exercise, running, and sports, but also delivered a powerful message of adopting a healthy and disciplined lifestyle in daily life. Finally, a promise was made to regularly organise such sports events across Asansol in the future as well, which will further enrich the sports culture of the area.
