Modi flags off sports meet in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR - Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Saturday inaugurated the state’s biggest sports meet, the ‘Swarnim Khel Mahakumbh’, at the Police Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Nearly 16 lakh participants from all towns and villages of the state will compete in a dozen disciplines, an official said.

Semi-finals will be held from Dec 8 to Dec 12, and the finals will be held at Khokhra-Memco Sports Complex in Ahmedabad Dec 13-14.

Gujarat shooter and Commonwealth Games medallist Lajja Goswami led the torch rally, which also included chess champion Vishwanathan Anand.

Speaking on the occasion, Narendra Modi said it was regrettable that the country could not win enough medals in international sports meets. He also said 16 lakh sportspersons participating in a meet was a record of sorts.