CHANDIGARH: Sports is the only medi  as well as effective  steps to contain terrorism. It was stated by Haryana Sports Minister Kiran Chaudhary while presiding over a function of the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial National Table Soccer Championship being conducted by Table Soccer Federation of India at the DAV Model School in Sector 15 here Saturday.

 "Sports can properly channelise the energy of youth and refrain them from tilting towards terrorism or use drugs. It is through sports that we can mould the youth as better citizens," said energetic Haryana Sports Minister Kiran Chaudhary who also holds the portfolio of
tourism ministry in the state.

"I am associated with the Indian Olympic Association for a quite long time. It is for the first time that India have won three medals in the Olympic Games in Beijing. It is just the beginning. With the Centre and the State Government providing better training and competition facilities and lucrative incentives, India will now win more Olympic medals," said Kiran Chaudhary who had personally congratulated boxer Vijender Singh immediately after winning medal in Beijing as she was accompanied with Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi.

She said "the government is encouraging all sports disciplines though cricket is attracting more attentions of the sponsors and TV channels. Cricket is fascinating but it is pushing the other sports disciplines to the back seat."

"Table soccer is a new sports discipline in India through it is very  popular in foreign country. I wish that such disciplines are promoted and encouraged at the villages level," suggested Kiran Chaudhary.

Pointing towards a large number of girl participants, the Haryana Sports Minister said "I am delighted to see so many girl participants. The future is for you. Come forward."

Kiran Chaudhary promised to extend all possible help to the Table Soccer Federation of India to promote this sports discipline. At this stage TSFI president Balwinder Singh Johal and Vice chairman HS Lucky informed Kiran Chaudhary that two Haryana girls — Jyoti Kaushik (Bhiwani) and Anu (Sonepat) have brought laurels to the country by participating and winning positions in international meets. Jyoti adn Anu were then introduced to the Minister.

Welcoming the chief guest DAV Model School Principal and organising secretary Rakesh Sachdeva said "Amardeep Singh of our school was captain of the Indian team which took part in Asian Table Soccer Chmapionship in Malaysia. DAV institutions hold the reputation of producing world class sports persons."       

She informed the chief guest that 400 players from different states are taking part in the three-day championship.