• Closing of the 35th All‑India Hockey Competition
  • Appeal to youth to stay away from drugs, reduce mobile screen time and spend time with family

Jaipur, 27 October – Assembly Speaker Shri Vasudev Devanani attended the closing ceremony of the 35th All‑India Hockey Competition as chief guest at Chandravardai Stadium, Ajmer district. He presented awards to the winning teams, encouraging the players. The competition was held from 23 to 27 October, with participants from six of Vidya Bharati’s eleven zones across the country showcasing their sporting talent.

Speaking at the event, Speaker Shri Vasudev Devanani said that after years of service as a teacher, taking part in such academic and sporting events feels like coming home among his family. Welcoming athletes from various states in Ajmer, the land of the brave Prithviraj Chauhan, he noted that hosting a national‑level competition in Ajmer is a matter of pride. He praised Vidya Bharati for organising a national‑level event in the city of Maharaja Ajaypal.

He added that Vidya Bharati is one of the world’s largest educational organisations. Its institutions impart not only education but also good values, discipline and a sense of patriotism. Sports play a vital role in the all‑round development of students.

Speaker Devanani said that every player should draw inspiration from hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand. Players must play for the nation with patriotism. He expressed confidence that the participants will shine the country’s name in future Olympic, Asian and other national and international competitions.

He remarked that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is moving towards a new direction in sports. The talent displayed here will bring honour to the district, state, nation and the world in the future. Though participants come from different regions with varied languages, attire and cuisine, their patriotism is one. The tricolour that realises our dreams is one, and Mother India that guides our aspirations is one.

The Assembly Speaker said the event is not merely the closing of a sports competition but an opportunity for the confluence of Indian education, culture and youth power. Sports develop discipline, patience, hard work, concentration, dedication to goals and a fighting spirit. Competition on the field gives players the courage to advance. He urged athletes to respect opponents and accept both victory and defeat with sportsmanship.

Speaker Devanani concluded that we live in an era of modern technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and mobiles. Youth should use these technologies but limit screen time and spend time with family. Balanced use of technology can bring positive change in life.

He appealed to youth, under the Prime Minister’s Nasha‑Mukta Bharat campaign, to stay away from drugs. He noted that substance abuse harms the body. Athletes need energy, physical capacity and stamina for better performance. In a sport like hockey, constant running, chasing the ball and maintaining control are essential. Hence a healthy body and disciplined lifestyle are crucial.

Bhanupratap/Ravindra