'Sportikon 2024' Empowers Over 1,200 Athletes, Future Sports Professionals

The four-day inter-university sports meet "Sportikon 2024", hosted by Bennett University (BU), saw the participation of over 1,200 athletes from 51 colleges and universities across India. The event, which ended on Sunday, featured 14 sports competitions, as well as workshops for students who want to pursue a career in sports, following the vision of Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. The winners of the 14 sports categories came from various universities and top colleges, with Bennett University bagging a gold medal in football, as well as powerlifting, shot put, and discus throw.

OP Jindal Global University emerged the champion in cricket, tennis, table tennis, and chess.

The training programmes and workshops offered by "Sportikon 2024" for students interested in a career in sports was in line with the message of Mr Thakur, who, in his virtual address as the chief guest on February 22 asked students to consider sports as a feasible career option.

Bennett University's 4-day sports extravaganza, Sportikon 2024 witnessed a motivating address by Shri Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting.
Watch it on YouTube- https://t.co/0pMoZHVRj6@ianuragthakur @Anurag_Office

Mr Thakur highlighted how Khelo India and Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) have changed the sports scene in India. He said over 300 sports infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,000 crore have been set up under the Khelo India initiative.

The groundbreaking effort of the Khelo India programme added 1,000 new athletes every year, providing them with complete funding for training, accommodation, diet, and a monthly allowance, the Union Minister said.

"TOPS has provided athletes with international exposure,