"Resolved to build stadiums in villages": Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], March 29 (ANI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday said that the government was gearing up to establish stadiums in villages of the state to encourage young athletes to "hone" their talent.
Speaking at the 'Run for Fit Rajasthan 2025' program, CM Sharma said that the athletes were being provided with government jobs and other facilities. The state government would establish a centre for excellence in Jaipur, he added.
"We have resolved to build sports grounds and stadiums in villages so that every player can hone his talent. Players have been given government jobs and other facilities. Training will be given, and a Centre for Excellence will be established in Jaipur at a cost of Rs 20 crore," Sharma said.
"Our government is constantly committed to the upliftment of youth, women, farmers and the poor. Everyone should work to make Rajasthan leading and prosperous. I congratulate the athletes who have won medals. The players of the state have proved their talent in the country and abroad. They won gold medals in national games, which is proof of their talent," he added.
The Chief Minister informed that the 'Run for Fit Rajasthan' program was part of the celebrations for the upcoming Rajasthan Foundation Day, scheduled to be celebrated on March 30.
"I feel happy to address the Run for Fit Rajasthan event, which is being organised as part of the celebrations for the Rajasthan Diwas. As you know, the integration of Rajasthan happened in seven phases. In the fourth phase, bhraj (greater) Rajasthan was established.
Sharma flagged off the 2025 Run for Fit Rajasthan program at Amar Jawan Jyoti near Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. He was accompanied by Rajasthan Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
During the event, the Chief Minister distributed certificates to athletes who managed to win gold medals at the 38th national games organised in Uttarakhand this year.
The Rajasthan sports minister highlighted the importance of the 'Run for Fit Rajasthan' event, saying that society remains healthy when individuals keep fit.
"You all have come here to keep Rajasthan fit. Keeping fit (healthy) is an individual choice. As the Chief Minister says, when a person is healthy, the society remains healthy. With this aim, we have organised runs to keep everyone fit in Rajasthan," Rathore said while addressing the gathering.
The minister said that the government was making efforts to encourage athletes in the state through the initiation of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and has provided them with incentives worth Rs 30 crore.
"To further encourage athletes from Rajasthan, the Chief Minister has started the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). We have already given incentives worth more than Rs 30 crore to the athletes in the state. We are working to establish stadiums in different regions," Rathore added.
The international athletes were awarded leases for land allotment under the state government's scheme of Bhumi Aavantan Niti (Land Allocation). (ANI)