New Delhi, May 5 (Bureau) Sparing time from his hectic election campaign schedule, Union Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, visited the prestigious Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium, here on Friday. Accompanied by District Badminton Association (DBA), Jalandhar, Member Secretary Ritin Khanna, the minister spent almost an hour at the stadium. It is worth-mentioning that Thakur is the first Union Sports Minister to visit the Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium in the past six decades. During his visit, Thakur took a round of the entire stadium and also interacted with the players. He also visited the Aangan Café, Yoga & Aerobic Centre, Gymnasium, Sports Shop, and Physiotherapy Centre.
After having a look at the infrastructure, which has been upgraded in the recent past, Thakur expressed his happiness and also congratulated the entire Interim Committee of the DBA for undertaking efforts for the development of the stadium, so that players can excel in the game of Badminton. What was most encouraging for the players was the fact that Anurag even played barefoot for sometime because he was not having a proper Badminton kit. The minister however assured, “During my next visit to the stadium, I will come along with the Badminton Kit and will have a proper game with the players.” His gesture was much appreciated by everyone present. Speaking on the occasion, Thakur further said, “Sports plays a very important role in shaping the life of youth in a positive manner. I am extremely happy that the Interim Committee has undertaken so many measures for the promotion of the game.” On behalf of the Interim Committee, Khanna thanked Thakur for his courtesy visit to the stadium and boosting the morale of the players.