Jaipur, August 9: Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced on Saturday the establishment of the Maharana Pratap Sports University in Jaipur, with an investment of approximately ₹101 crore. This announcement came during a ceremony honoring the state’s medal-winning athletes.
While addressing the gathering at the Rajasthan Constitution Club, Sharma praised athletes such as Arundhati Chaudhary, Yashveer Singh, Rahul Sharma, Mona Agarwal, and Sandhya Bishnoi for their dedication and discipline, which have brought glory to the state. He acknowledged the significant contributions of their coaches and families.
Sharma highlighted the achievements of these athletes, noting that Arundhati Chaudhary won a gold medal in boxing at the Commonwealth Games, Yashveer Singh secured a bronze in javelin throw, Rahul Sharma clinched gold at the Shooting Para World Cup, Mona Agarwal earned bronze in the same event, and Sandhya Bishnoi took home silver from the Under-17 World Wrestling Championship.
The Chief Minister emphasized the central government‘s ‘Khelo India’ initiative, which provides training, equipment, medical facilities, and financial support to athletes. He also mentioned that Rajasthan is enhancing its sports infrastructure, with ₹52 crore approved for incentives and financial aid for 3,540 athletes, alongside government jobs for 186 players. The state successfully hosted the ‘Khelo India University Games 2025,’ where 7,000 athletes from 222 universities across seven cities participated, winning 60 medals and securing third place nationally.
Sharma noted that Rajasthan’s athletes have elevated the state’s status in the upcoming Paris Olympics and Paralympics. The government has launched the ‘Sports Life Insurance Scheme,’ invested ₹18 crore in sports equipment, and is establishing 50 ‘Khelo India Centers.’ A ‘Center of Excellence’ for athletics, archery, and boxing is also being developed at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
He referenced the ‘Rajasthan Youth Policy-2026,’ which aims to create new opportunities in education, skill development, sports, and leadership. Under the ‘One District-One Sport’ initiative, specific sports are being promoted in each district. To assist athletes in Olympic preparations, the ‘Target Olympic Podium Scheme’ has been initiated, and the ‘Khelo Rajasthan Youth Games’ will promote traditional sports and identify hidden talents at the grassroots level.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these initiatives would establish Rajasthan as a leading sports state on both national and international platforms. He interacted with the medal-winning athletes, presenting them with certificates and cash awards. Arundhati Chaudhary received ₹1 crore, while Yashveer Singh was awarded ₹30 lakh, along with announcements of other prizes during the event.
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