Chandigarh, September 10: The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria today lauded the Competent Foundation for its sustained efforts to empower young sportspersons by providing sporting equipment and creating equal opportunities for talented youth.

Addressing the Sports Kit Distribution Programme organised by the Competent Foundation at the Banquet Hall, Lok Bhavan, Chandigarh, Shri Kataria said the initiative was much more than distribution of sports kits—it represented belief in talent, equal opportunity, social sensitivity and building confidence through sports.

Earlier, the President of the Competent Foundation Mr. Sanjay Tandon briefed about the various initiatives undertaken by the Foundation and the journey of its ‘Hanste-Khelte’ initiative, including how the programme was started in 2021 and subsequently expanded to support promising young sportspersons and specially-abled athletes.

The Governor said no child or sportsperson, including those with disabilities, should have to compromise on their dreams due to financial constraints or lack of resources. “True talent should never be dependent on expensive equipment. Our responsibility is to ensure that opportunities reach talent directly,” he said.

Appreciating the journey of the ‘Hanste-Khelte’ initiative, the Governor said that during its initial four years, 600 school kits were distributed among needy students of 12 government schools. Subsequently, in consultation with the Education Department, the initiative was expanded to support promising sportspersons. So far, more than 350 young athletes from Chandigarh’s government schools across 10 sporting disciplines have benefited from sports kits.

He particularly appreciated the Foundation’s inclusive approach towards specially-abled sportspersons. Sporting equipment has been provided to GRIID, while 17 specially-abled athletes who have won medals at national and international levels have also been supported. In the sixth year of the initiative, 32 promising athletes in badminton, tennis, athletics and football are being provided sports kits.

Shri Kataria commended the Competent Foundation for carrying forward the legacy of service associated with the late Shri Balramji Dass Tandon Ji, whose ideals of public service continue to inspire welfare initiatives. He also appreciated the Foundation’s social service efforts over the past two decades, including blood donation camps, financial assistance for surgeries and sponsorship of 10 eye surgeries every month at PGIMER.

Shri Kataria also called for accessible sports infrastructure, inclusive training facilities and equal opportunities for specially-abled sportspersons. He said sports can play a vital role in keeping youth away from drugs and other negative influences.

The programme was attended by the prominent personalities of Chandigarh, besides sportspersons, parents, coaches and representatives of the Foundation.

The Governor congratulated all the young athletes and wished them success in bringing laurels to their families, Chandigarh and the nation.