Sports and Yoga

7.1 Rajasthan and National Sports Policy

MGNREGS Sports Infrastructure: Gram Panchayat-level sports grounds, playfields, and community centers being constructed under MGNREGS — linking rural employment with sports infrastructure.

Khelo India initiative in Rajasthan:

• Khelo India University Games and Khelo India Youth Games provide opportunities for Rajasthani athletes
• Rajasthan has produced national-level athletes in wrestling, shooting, and athletics
• Sports Goods and Toys Zone at Khushkheda Industrial Area (Bhiwadi-II): 56,576 sq meters; 39 plots planned — manufacturing cluster for sports equipment

Fit India Freedom Run 5.0 (October 2024):

• Theme: Cleanliness and Health
• Organised across Gram Panchayats in Rajasthan
• Rajasthan ranked 1st nationally: 36.99 lakh participants at 9,556 locations
• 6,202 out of 10,443 national registered events were in Rajasthan
• Data tracked on Indian Sports Portal (fitindia.gov.in)

Unity Run Program:

• Associated with Fit India mission
• Organised in Panchayati Raj Institutions across Rajasthan

7.2 International Yoga Day

• Date: 21 June every year (since 2015)
• UN Resolution: 11 December 2014; India proposed under PM Modi; 177 co-sponsoring countries
• 2024 Theme: "Yoga for Self and Society"
• Rajasthan participation: Mass yoga sessions at historical monuments (Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, etc.); government schools and Anganwadis conduct compulsory yoga activities
• Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AYUSH): 2,019 dispensaries transformed into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs offering regular yoga practice, Prakruti parikshan, and herbal medicines; 50 awarded NABH accreditation
• Policy integration: Yoga included in school curriculum; RPSC includes Yoga Instructor in recruitment

7.3 Rajasthan's Sports Achievements and Infrastructure

National-level athletes from Rajasthan:

• Wrestling: Multiple national champions from Jhunjhunu and Alwar districts
• Shooting: Rajasthan athletes represented India at international level
• Cricket: Rajasthan Royals (IPL) elevates cricket infrastructure

Model Career Centres (MCCs): 16 MCCs established across Rajasthan — Bikaner, Bharatpur, Kota, Jaipur, Alwar, Dausa, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Sawai Madhopur, Sirohi, Pali, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Baran, Banswara, Sriganganagar — include sports career counseling.

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