PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
In a pledge for India’s sporting future, the Sports minister Rekha Arya is all set to lead a 22-km Kanwad Yatra from Haridwar on August 10. Addressing a press conference here on Monday, she stated that she would embark on the pilgrimage with the resolve to bring the 2036 Olympics to India. “This Sankalp Yatra is to lend support to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a sports superpower and hosting the 2036 Olympic Games,” she said, adding that the Kanwad Yatra would begin at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar and conclude with Jalabhishek at the revered Virabhadra Temple in Rishikesh. She further said that by doing Jalabhishek at the feet of Lord Shiva, they would pray for India to host the mega global sports congregation in 2036.
Citing Uttarakhand’s special place in taking resolve in national interests, she stated that her Yatra would also be special. “This will not just be a religious Yatra but will highlight Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage, progress in sports and commitment to nation-building. I am sure that this Sankalp Yatra, originating from Devbhoomi, will instill new enthusiasm and positive energy for sports among the youth across the country,” she added.
She also informed that several ascetics, including the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, would participate in the Yatra at different stages.
In addition, players, youth, sports lovers and a large number of citizens from the State and across the country are expected to join the Yatra.
The Sports minister appealed to the youth of the state, athletes, sports enthusiasts, saints and the general public to participate in large numbers in this Sankalp Kanwad Yatra from Har Ki Pauri to Rishikesh. “I hope that the collective resolve and the divine blessings will facilitate India to host the 2036 Olympic Games,” she remarked.
