Sports brings people together, says Rathore

Coimbatore, Sept 4 (PTI) Union Minister Rajyavardhan SinghRathore today highlighted the importance of sports, saying itbrings people together and infuses a sense of nationalismamong them. The Union Minister of State for Information andBroadcasting was speaking at "Gramotsavam" (village festival),organised by the city-based Isha Foundation with the aim ofreviving "dying traditional sports". Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi was also present at theevent. "Sport is an amazing thing, which brings all together andshows the oneness- that we are Indians. It is a proud momentwhen you hold the National Flag in a sports event or you havethe tri-colour on your chest," Rathore, himself a formershooter, said. Though the name of one person was registered in historybook for scoring a goal in a football match, it was a teamworkby 11 members and the entire team celebrates the victory ofthe nation, he added. Bedi said engaging in sports and extra curricularactivities help people to shun bad habits. She said she was impressed by the event and wouldreplicate Gramotsavam in Puducherry. I will start giving it a shape from coming Saturday andwould seek the assistance from Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, thefounder of the Isha Foundation, in this regard, the former IPSofficer said. A large number people, including women, from remote areas,took part in the event that witnessed games like kabaddi,malkambha, throwball among others. PTI NVM VSAQSTRK