SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF ADMINISTRATOR FOOTBALL CUP AT SECTOR 42-C CHANDIGARH ON NOVEMBER 29, 2022 AT 12.00 NOON
- PRB
- 2022-11-29 14:00
It gives me immense pleasure to preside over the valedictory function of 18th Administrator’s Challenge Cup All India Football Tournament (U-17) in which prominent teams from all India have participated to vie for the top honours.
Administrator’s Challenge Cup Tournament was thebrainchild of Former Administrator, Chandigarh,Late Lt. General JFR Jacob who was very passionate for football and desired that the standard of Indian Football is augmented to ‘world class’ and our country qualifies for FIFA World Cup.
The 1st Administrator’s Challenge Cup Tournament was held in 2002 and has been annual feature but because of COVID situation, it was not held in 2019 & 2020. I am happy that it has been revived after 2 years’ gap. It is All India Football Federation (AIFF) recognized tournament and top football teams from Pan India wait eagerly to take part in this tournament every year.
Undoubtedly, Football is one of the most popular games in the world. And Football in India has historically been among the top 3 most popular sports in terms of players’ participation and TV viewership, together with long time number one cricket and re-emerging kabaddi.
But, Football in India has had ebbs and flows.
After a golden phase in 50s and 60s, Indian football went through a barren phase in 70s, 80s and 90s, gradually losing its foothold as a top Asian team.
But sports cannot just be called acompetition of victory or loss. Sports are not limited to medals and performances. Sports are a global phenomenon. It is not that a country in the world becomes great only because of its economic and strategic might. A scientist can also brighten his country’s name all over the world with his small innovation. Similarly, many smaller countries in the world have made their identity across the globe because of sports. They inspire and energize the entire country through that sport . So, sports developed in a very organized and structured way can also introduce the country’s image and power in today’s world.
My young friends,
Excellence in sporting is not an easy thing to come by . It takes hours and hours of relentless hard work and precision planning coupled with sheer determination to overcome obstacles.
You not only need a strong body but also a strong mind and an iron-clad will power to become an exceptional sports person.
I firmly believe that sports and games must form a crucial part of our lives. As they improve our physical fitness, improve ourcognitive abilities and in the case of team games, enhance our social skills.
Participating in games and various sports willimprove the concentration levels of an individual,promote the concept of team work and help in developing an attitude of equanimity.
This balance is essential to accept failures and setbacks without any sense of bitterness, ill-will or grudge, a quality we call ‘sportsman spirit’. It improves the general quality of life.
I strongly believe that an exceptional sportsperson can become an excellent leader too as sports also inculcate leadership qualities.
Nelson Mandela , the Nobel laureate for peace and former president of South Africa, said in one of his speeches, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair…”
I congratulate all the players for taking part in this tournament. I believe the competition, exposure and interaction with players from all over the country must havegiven opportunity to you all forself-assessment, introspection and improvement in your skills.
I Congratulate Sports Department, Chandigarh and everyone who contributed to make this tournament a success.
I hope all the participants had pleasant stay in Chandigarh, the ‘City Beautiful’.
My best wishes to all of you for your future endeavours.
Thank you,
Jai Hind.