Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while hailing the sports ecosystem within the country, said that irregularities in team selection and sports that often happened before 2014 came to an end a decade ago, and now children from even the poorest families can rise to the top levels purely through hard work and talent.
Addressing the `Sansad Khel Mahotsav`, a sports and fitness festival aimed at promoting a sporting culture and leadership among the youth, Prime Minister Modi said that the scale of the Mahotsav is as vast as its impact.
Through this initiative, PM Modi further highlighted that the nation is discovering thousands of talented sportspersons, reported PTI.
PM Modi, while highlighting the developing sports infrastructure in India, further emphasised, “The festival is steadily emerging as a strong pillar of youth empowerment and nation-building. Another special aspect of the `Sansad Khel Mahotsav` is the way it is playing a transformative role in changing societal mindsets,” as cited by news agency PTI.
Also, the prime minister said that before 2014, irregularities in team selection and sports infrastructure often took place in sports.
The PM added, “Today, those practices have come to an end. Even children from the poorest families can now rise to the highest levels purely through hard work and talent, as per PTI.
Modi also referred to the allocation of more than Rs 3000 crore for the country`s sports budget, which was less than Rs 1200 crore before 2014.
Hailing the financial support being provided to the budding athletes, he said that through a special scheme, athletes are being provided monthly financial assistance ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 each.
Modi further highlighted, “Today, I want to tell every athlete of the country that you are not just playing for your own victory; you are playing for the country, and you are playing for the honour and dignity of the tricolour,” as cited by PTI.
The prime minister has also requested all parents to encourage their children to take part in sports and give them opportunities to participate in sporting activities.
He said that sports is not just a part of learning; it is also important for a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Describing how sports culture is growing in the country, the prime minister said that from every corner of the country, inspiring examples are emerging that motivate the nation.
“Today, India`s athletes are breaking records, setting new benchmarks, and taking India to new heights on the global sporting map,” PM Modi added.
PM Modi said that until a few years ago, family members would scold and reprimand the child for playing too much, as it was then considered a waste of time.
The Prime Minister also said, “Now they understand that their children, by excelling in sports, can change not only their own and their family`s fate, but also that of the entire village and society. Today, opportunities in sports are not limited but unlimited,” as cited by news agency PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)