Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has proposed a district-level cricket tournament involving five Assembly constituencies in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri to promote young sporting talent, encourage rural participation and provide emerging players with opportunities through grassroots competitions and improved sports infrastructure.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has proposed organising a district-level cricket tournament involving teams from all five Assembly constituencies of Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district to identify emerging sporting talent and encourage greater participation among young players.
Addressing a programme in Kolaras, Scindia outlined a grassroots-level tournament structure designed to provide opportunities to cricket enthusiasts from both rural and urban areas. Under the proposed initiative, teams would initially be formed at every gram panchayat, with winning teams progressing to block-level competitions, followed by Assembly-level matches.
The tournament would involve teams representing Kolaras, Shivpuri, Pichhore, Karera and Pohri Assembly constituencies. According to the proposed format, the semi-final matches would be organised in Shivpuri, while the final would take place in Kolaras.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative, Scindia also said he wanted to participate in the tournament and play cricket alongside young players. He emphasised that sports play an important role in shaping personalities, building confidence and developing discipline among young people.
“Sports are not just a means of physical development but also teach discipline, build confidence and inspire people to face challenges in life,” he said.
The Union Minister also suggested introducing badminton competitions alongside cricket during the Sansad Khel Mahotsav scheduled for January. During the programme, he interacted with children, played badminton and witnessed demonstrations of judo and wushu by local players. He appreciated their performances and congratulated the participants and their coaches for their efforts.
Highlighting the sporting potential of the Gwalior-Chambal region, Scindia said there was no shortage of talent among young people, but they needed proper infrastructure, professional training and sufficient opportunities to achieve success at higher levels.
He cited the achievements of Lavanya and Diksha Dhakad, who have secured places in Madhya Pradesh’s Under-17 cricket team, and Neeru Dandia, who won a gold medal in rifle shooting at the Asian Games, as examples of the region’s emerging sporting excellence.
Scindia also referred to the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Sports Complex in Shivpuri, established around 15 years ago, which has developed international-level facilities. He highlighted the town’s recent hosting of the 70th National School Games Athletics Championship, which witnessed participation from several states and Union Territories.
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Meanwhile, on Friday, the Union Minister performed the bhoomi pujan for development projects worth Rs 3.97 crore in Kolaras. These included the construction of a modern sports stadium costing Rs 2.97 crore and a connecting road to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s Office at a cost of Rs 1 crore.
Scindia said the proposed stadium would provide local athletes with improved facilities for training and regular practice. He also directed officials to ensure that construction work was completed at the earliest.
Through the proposed cricket tournament and infrastructure development initiatives, Scindia aims to strengthen grassroots sports participation and create more opportunities for young athletes across Shivpuri district.
