Showcase Sportsmanship and Work Efficiently for the Department – Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan

Grand Inauguration of the 4th State-Level Sports and Cultural Competition of the Water Resources Department

Nagpur : Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan urged officers and employees of the department to demonstrate sportsmanship, maintain physical fitness, stay away from addictions, and work efficiently for the Water Resources Department.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the 4th State-Level Sports and Cultural Competition 2025 of the Water Resources Department, held at the sports complex of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj University, Ravi Nagar, Nagpur. The event was inaugurated by Mahajan in the presence of Finance and Planning Minister Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department Deepak Kapoor, Secretary Sanjay Belsare, and other dignitaries. The competition has drawn 1,600 athletes from nine regional divisions and will continue until February 2, 2025.

Mahajan highlighted the vital role of the Water Resources Department in supplying water to industries, agriculture, and power projects across the state. He emphasized that the efficiency of department officers and employees ensures the smooth execution of these responsibilities, making good health essential. Exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle, along with avoiding addictions, are crucial for overall well-being. He recalled that, recognizing these needs, he initiated the department’s first state-level sports competition in 2017 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as the Water Resources Minister.

Being a sports enthusiast himself, Mahajan shared that despite his 40-year-long active political career, he has maintained a disciplined fitness routine and has stayed away from addictions. He extended his best wishes to all participants in the competition.

Finance and Planning Minister Adv. Ashish Jaiswal stressed the importance of sports alongside work in government service and expressed the need for interdepartmental sports and cultural competitions across various state departments.

Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kapoor encouraged participants to maintain a strong will to win and showcase excellent sportsmanship throughout the competition.

The event commenced with the National Anthem and Maharashtra Song. Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation’s Superintendent Engineer Sonali Chopde led the sports oath. Secretary Sanjay Belsare delivered the opening remarks, while Renuka Deshkar anchored the event. Executive Director Rajesh Sontakke of Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation delivered the vote of thanks.

Earlier, Mahajan lit the ceremonial torch, marking the formal beginning of the competition. Ten teams participated in a march-past, accompanied by a police band. The participating teams included Ministry of Mumbai, Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Tapi Irrigation Development Corporation (Jalgaon), Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation (Pune), Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation (Thane), Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute (Nashik), Mechanical Irrigation Research & Development Directorate (Pune), Quality Control, Hydropower, Chief Auditor of Water and Irrigation (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), voluntary participants from Shegaon’s Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, and Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (Nagpur).

After the inaugural ceremony, Mahajan flagged off the 100-meter race, marking the start of the sporting events.

The competition features 1,600 athletes, including 550 women participants, competing in various sports such as cricket, kabaddi, and volleyball, along with cultural events like singing, music, drama, one-act plays, and photography.