Rajnath Singh Renames Army Sports Institute Stadium In Pune After Neeraj Chopra

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday felicitated Defence Forces personnel who took part in the Tokyo Olympics, including Olympic gold medal winning javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, at the Army Sports Institute (ASI) in Pune. Singh also renamed the ASI Stadium after Neeraj, who bagged the country's first gold in athletics at the marquee event and also became the only second individual gold medallist for India after shooter Abhinav Bindra. Neeraj was also present on the occasion. A shawl, which was signed by the Olympians, was also presented to the Defence Minister. 

Among those, who were felicitated were Tarundeep Rai (Archery), Pravin Jadhav (Archery), Amit (Boxing), Manish Kaushik (Boxing), Satish Kumar (Boxing), CA Kuttappa (Boxing coach), Chotelal Yadav (Boxing coach - Mary Kom's coach), Deepak Punia (Wrestling), Arjun Lal Jat and Arvind Singh (Rowing), Vishnu Saravanan (Sailing) and Neeraj. 

Neeraj was presented with a replica of javelin. Singh asserted that his government would do everything to promote sports. 

"To promote sports, we will do whatever is needed and we are committed to that. And every player of the country knows about it. Our Prime Minister is encouraging all the Games and the players," Singh told reporters. 

"The government will give encouragement to each and every individual from the sports community and the state governments are also making good contributions in facilitating players," he added. 

"I am waiting for that moment, when India will get an opportunity to host the Olympic Games," said Singh while addressing the gathering. Army Chief General MM Naravane was present on the occasion.