PM Modi Urges MPs to Identify and Nurture Olympic Talent
Irregularities in team selection and sports that had often happened before 2014 had come to an end a decade ago, the PM said
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that irregularities in team selection and sports that had often happened before 2014 had come to an end a decade ago, and now children from even the poorest families could rise to the top levels through hard work and talent.
Virtually addressing the 'Sansad Khel Mahotsav', a sports and fitness festival aimed at promoting a sporting culture and leadership among youths, Prime Minister Modi said that the scale of the Mahotsav was as vast as its impact.
He noted that through this initiative, the nation was discovering thousands of talented sportspersons. "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," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also referred to the allocation of more than `3,000 crore for the sports budget, which was less than `1,200 crore before 2014.
He stated that through a special scheme, athletes are being provided monthly financial assistance ranging from `25,000 to `50,000 each. "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, you are playing for the honour and dignity of the tricolour," Modi said.
Requesting 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, Modi said that from every corner of the country, inspiring examples are emerging that motivate the nation.
He said that in some places, differently abled athletes are defying limitations and reaching new heights, while on sports grounds elsewhere, young girls are striving tirelessly to turn their dreams into reality.
"Today, India's athletes are breaking records, setting new benchmarks, and taking India to new heights on the global sporting map," he said, adding 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.
“Today, society, and even parents, have realised that playing does not ruin one's life. 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," Modi said.
The Prime Minister said that in 2030, India will host the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and then the eyes of the entire world will be on India. "Not only that, India is also making efforts to host the biggest sports event, that is, the Olympics, in 2036," he added.
