New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off 'Run for Rio' in from Major Dhyanchand National Stadium near India Gate in Delhi.
Around 20,000 school children took part in the event, said reports.
Speaking at the event, Modi said, “I am sure our athletes will win hearts of the world and will show the world what India is about. Every athlete has worked hard to get to the Olympics.”
According to reports, Modi said that the government had taken measures to send Indian athletes to Rio well in advance so as to acclimatise them to the conditions. “As per norms, players are taken to the venue two days before the start of every Games. This time we are sending the contingent in advance, so that players are familiar with local conditions,” he said.
Claiming that his government had worked ‘tremendously’ for sports in the country over the last 2 years, Modi said that the government had allotted special funds to provide the players Indian food in Rio in order to give them utmost comfort.
He also stated that the government had allotted equal allowances to both the players and the officials, say reports. Earlier the officials used to be paid $100 while the player received $50.
Modi stated that Indian government has spent between 30 lakhs to 1.5 crore on each player. Government has prepared a total budget of 125 crores for the Rio Olympics, he added.
The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that one athlete from every district in India would be qualified to represent the country by the time the 2020 Games arrive. For this, he outlined the necessity of training youngsters in sports that Indians do not usually play.
Concluding his speech, Modi said, “The games give a message of brotherhood. I convey my best wishes for the Rio games.”
The Rio Olympics will take place from August 5, 2016 to August 21, 2016.
