Discipline key to success in sport – Sharma

Sport can promote both social transformation and infrastructure development in the country hosting major events such as the Commonwealth Youth Games and the Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma made this point in a speech in Pune, India, on 16 October 2008.

He was addressing top officials from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Commonwealth Games Federation, Commonwealth Youth Games and the Government of India at a luncheon co-hosted with his wife, Babli Sharma, on their arrival in Pune to attend the Third Commonwealth Youth Games. Their guests included among others the IOC President Dr Jacques Rogge; President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah; President of the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC) HRH Prince Faisal Al-Hussein; President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Suresh Kalmadi; President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Michael Fennel; and the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Games 2010, India’s Secretary of Sport Sudhir Nath.

Secretary-General presents a medal to a swimmer at the Commonwealth Youth Games

Mr Sharma said the hosting of any Games can produce a legacy for the local community through the development of sporting venues. He stressed that sport can build character and discipline through training and by respecting the rules of the game. The Secretary-General stated sport inculcates values such as determination, team spirit and striving for success – the principles that Commonwealth countries aspire to live by. He emphasised that sport also promotes gender equality and a level playing field.

Mr Sharma later attended the launch of the Olympic Values Education Programme and the Indian National Club Games, and toured the Commonwealth Games Village where he watched track and field events. He also presented medals to the winners of the women's 100-metre freestyle swimming competition.

The Secretary-General, who is on an official visit to India from 16 to 21 October, will be the Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony of the Third Commonwealth Youth Games on 18 October.

Secretariat Links:

• Secretary-General

Related Websites:

• Commonwealth Youth Games 2008