Anil Datt Ludhiana, June 22 The 23rd June is the Olympic Day, a day to get active and encourage others to take part in activities, which promote Olympic values. The 123rd anniversary of the day is being observed across the globe. Olympic Day is a global celebration of the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOA) and the modern Olympic Movement, which started in1894. The day highlights message of move, learn and discover through sports, besides promoting benefits of physical exercise, inspiring people to get active and enabling them to learn new sports while embracing Olympic ideals regardless of ability or background. India, once considered powerhouse in the field of hockey, dominated the Olympic scene. India had been the Olympic champions for eight times, besides finishing runners up once and securing bronze medals in three editions. With the passage of time and introduction of new rules (more suited to the European nations), Indian hockey lagged behind, but nevertheless, record of winning gold medal on eight occasions still stands in our name. It appears that this record will remain intact till the end of the 21st century. The main attraction of the day in the Ludhiana district tomorrow will be an exhibition hockey match between teams of Jarkhar Academy and Kila Raipur Academy at Jarkhar village, near here. The stadium at the village presents an ideal picture as statues of hockey Olympians Dhyan Chand, Prithipal Singh, Udham Singh and Surjit Singh installed here are a source of inspiration for youngsters. Since its launch seven years ago, Mata Sahib Kaur Hockey Academy at Jarkhar village, has come up at the national hockey map. Over 80 trainees from the academy have represented the state in national tournaments, besides two dozen players are employed in different departments of the Punjab government.

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