June 14
Arki: Emphasising the importance of safeguarding India’s sporting heritage, Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi said that preserving traditional sports is a collective responsibility and that such events provide a platform for youth to showcase their talent while steering clear of social evils such as drug abuse.
Addressing the 64th grand Dangal organised by the Mahavir Dangal Samiti in collaboration with the Public Works Department (PWD) Arki Division at the Arki Chaugan on Sunday, Awasthi said wrestling is an integral part of India’s cultural and sporting legacy and must be preserved in its traditional form.
He noted that Indian wrestling has laid the foundation for modern wrestling and highlighted the achievements of Indian wrestlers, both men and women, on the global stage. According to him, events such as dangals and kabaddi tournaments play a significant role in promoting traditional sports and encouraging participation among young athletes.
The MLA said the state government is committed to promoting sports activities in rural areas and is extending all possible support to such initiatives. He also highlighted the government’s decision to substantially increase cash rewards for athletes winning medals at the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Under the revised policy, gold medal winners will receive ₹5 crore, up from ₹3 crore, while the reward for silver medalists has been increased from ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore. Bronze medalists will now receive ₹2 crore instead of ₹1 crore. Awasthi said the enhanced incentives would motivate more young people to pursue sports professionally.
Raising concerns over the growing menace of drug addiction, Awasthi said sports play a crucial role in keeping youth engaged in constructive activities and promoting physical and mental well-being. He urged young people to stay away from drugs and encourage their peers to do the same.
“The state government is fully vigilant in tackling the problem of drug abuse and is working at all levels to curb this social evil,” he said.
On the occasion, Awasthi announced a contribution of ₹21,000 towards the Mahavir Dangal Committee.
Among those present were Block Congress Committee Arki president Satish Kashyap, Darlaghat SDPO Naveen Jhalata, PWD Arki Executive Engineer Krishna Kant, newly elected councillors of Nagar Panchayat Arki and local residents.
