Narmada, April 15 — In a significant boost to sports infrastructure in Gujarat, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated a modern gymnastics hall at the Chhotubhai Purani Sports Campus in Rajpipla, Narmada district. As per agency report, the newly launched facility is equipped with cutting-edge equipment and is aimed at promoting gymnastics while providing enhanced training opportunities for local youth.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of senior administrative officials and representatives of the sports complex alongside the Minister. Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar expressed his delight at the development and emphasized how such facilities not only improve athletic performance but also uplift the morale of aspiring athletes.

Taking to social media platform X, the Minister wrote about his experience at the event, highlighting the enthusiasm of young athletes and even children who were actively utilizing the new facility. He stated that it was heartening to see the growing engagement in gymnastics and sports in general among the local community.

Jaishankar underscored the importance of modern sports infrastructure in identifying and nurturing hidden talent across the country, giving them a platform to represent India on the international stage. He added that the government is committed to strengthening sports development across India, and the inauguration of this gymnastics hall is a step forward in that direction.

The event generated widespread enthusiasm among local residents and sports enthusiasts. Several young athletes and trainees demonstrated their skills during the ceremony, showcasing the immediate impact of the new facility on grassroots talent development.

Narmada: On the auspicious occasion of the Panchkoshi Parikrama being observed in the month of Chaitra, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the holy banks of the Narmada River at Rampura Ghat in Nandod Taluka on Tuesday morning. He offered prayers to Maa Narmada, seeking peace, prosperity, and well-being for all citizens of Gujarat, the country, and the world. The Chief Minister admired the natural beauty of the sacred river and experienced spiritual solace during the visit.

As part of his visit, the Chief Minister inspected the facilities arranged for devotees by the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board and the Narmada district administration. These included health department relief camps, stalls run by women's self-help groups (Sakhi Mandals), and a CCTV control room set up along the parikrama route. Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements, he interacted with officials and appreciated their efforts in ensuring a smooth experience for pilgrims.

Chief Minister Patel highlighted the transformation of the state due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that the Narmada water now reaches the drought-prone Kutch region, addressing water scarcity and greening the state. After visiting Rampura Ghat, he proceeded to the Ranchohdrayji Temple, where he offered prayers and engaged in meaningful interaction with pilgrims from various parts of the country.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister acknowledged the long-standing tradition of devotees undertaking the Panchkoshi Parikrama on foot and sought feedback on the arrangements provided. Pilgrims expressed gratitude to the state government for the facilities, underscoring the impact of the administration's efforts.

He affirmed that the state government is moving forward with the motto “Your Faith, Our Responsibility” and aims to establish permanent facilities for pilgrims participating in the Panchkoshi Parikrama. Rishikesh Ojha, a pilgrim from Maharashtra, presented the Chief Minister with a Hindi book depicting the significance of the Narmada Parikrama and praised the amenities provided.

During the visit to the Ranchohdrayji Temple, Narmada District Collector S.K. Modi presented the Chief Minister with a shawl and an idol of Maa Narmada. Ramesh Merja, Secretary of the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board, also honored him with a coconut and a traditional chunari.

Among those present during the visit were Narmada District Panchayat President Bhimsinh Tadvi, Bharuch MP Mansukhbhai Vasava, Chhota Udepur MP Jashubhai Rathwa, Nandod MLA Dr. Darshanaben Deshmukh, local leader Neelkumar Rao, the Chief Minister's OSD Atul Gor, District Development Officer Ankit Pannu, Superintendent of Police Prashant Sumbe, district officials, local leaders, and a large number of devotees.