MoU Signed Between the Departments of Sports and Education, Chandigarh Administration with Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust
UT Chandigarh becomes first in the country across all UTs/Sates to implement such a MOU across all its government schools
Chandigarh, 07th January 2025:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Departments of Sports and Education, Chandigarh Administration and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust in the august presence of Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor Punjab & Administrator UT Chandigarh and Sh. Rajeev Verma, Adviser to Administrator UT Chandigarh.
With this, UT Chandigarh becomes the first Union Territory to sign such an MoU and first in the country across all UTs/Sates to implement such a MOU across all government schools in the jurisdiction. UT Chandigarh is moving in the right direction to realise the Administrator’s vision to make the city a Sports Hub.
Today, with the signing of the MoU with Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust, the Chandigarh Administration has introduced Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) in the government schools of UT Chandigarh. The MoU has the approval of International Olympic Committee (IOC), one of the world’s most prestigious sporting bodies and they partnering with city’s government schools. The IOC’s endorsement brings global recognition and sets high standards for the city’s sports initiatives.
A video message from Ms. Frederique Jamolli, Head of International Cultural Affairs, International Olympic Committee (IOC) and a short video on Olympic Value Education Program (OVEP) were also played during the MoU signing event. The programs like OVEP shall foster essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and respect, helping students become responsible citizens with a potential long-term community benefits, including increased sports participation, healthier lifestyles, and social cohesion
The Administrator, UT Chandigarh said that Shri Abhinav Bindra’s contribution as India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist is unparalleled and lauded the commitment of Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust in strengthening grassroots sports through the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP). Sh. Kataria further added that a child’s personality is built mostly outside the classroom and sports play an important role where he learns sportsmanship, determination, teamwork, brotherhood and respect for others. Enhancing sports will play crucial role in fighting against the drug menace in Punjab region. He encouraged all the students to embrace this program wholeheartedly, participate, learn, and enjoy the journey.
Sh. Abhinav Bindra emphasised that the NEP framework makes it mandatory for schools to include sports and physical education and today is an important step in shaping the children better, ensuring the children of Chandigarh are fit and healthy and ready to compete at the global level. He urged all the stakeholders including teachers, sports coaches, local clubs, and parents, to embrace and sustain values-based sports initiatives that will help in building ongoing partnerships with both national and international organizations to continually elevate Chandigarh’s standing in sports and education.
Sh. Bindra further added that sport transcends differences and shapes character. By weaving the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect into our schools, we can nurture a generation that not only excels on the field but also carries dignity, integrity, and empathy into every aspect of life. Chandigarh’s progressive spirit is the perfect launchpad for this transformative journey, and through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, we will continually strive to expand and strengthen this mission—empowering future leaders who embody the true essence of sportsmanship.
Sh. K. Siva Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor, Ms. Prerna Puri, Secretary Sports and Education, Sh. Abhijit Vijay Chaudhari, Special Secretary to Administrator, Sh. Sorabh Kumar Arora, Director Sports, Sh. Harsushinder Pal Singh Brar, Director School Education, alongwith other officials of Chandigarh Administration were also present during the occasion.
