India News : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually addressed young athletes from across the country under the programme ‘Khelo India Dialogue – Sports Talk with Prime Minister Modi’. He said India’s sports vision is not limited to winning medals but is aimed at bringing together the country’s sporting strength and youth power to build a developed India.
Expressing confidence in the strength and potential of young people, the Prime Minister said that the participation of youth, whether on the sports field or in other areas of society, is India’s real strength. He also urged young people to contribute new ideas and help shape the country’s future sports vision.
PM Modi Remembers Major Dhyan Chand Ahead of National Sports Day
Prime Minister Modi said that August 29 is celebrated as National Sports Day. He extended his greetings to members of the sporting community and young people associated with sports.
He said the day is also an occasion to remember Major Dhyan Chand, one of India’s greatest sporting icons. Referring to the Indian Army hockey team’s visit to New Zealand nearly 100 years ago, the Prime Minister said the tour laid the foundation for sporting relations between India and New Zealand.
He said he had also remembered Major Dhyan Chand during his recent visit to New Zealand and noted that India continues to strengthen the relationship built on those early sporting connections.
Sports Are Not Just About Winning Medals
PM Modi said he had presented India’s sports vision before the country from the Red Fort on August 15. According to him, sports are not only about winning medals but also about the development of personality, families and the nation.
He said, “Those who play, flourish.” According to the Prime Minister, flourishing through sports does not mean only winning on the field but also developing one’s personality and enhancing the country’s pride.
He said when an athlete succeeds, the recognition of the athlete’s family, school, college, district and state also grows. A successful sportsperson can give an entire region a new identity on the global sporting map.
Focus on Finding Sports Talent in Every District
The Prime Minister said athletes from hundreds of districts across the country were connected to the programme and that every district has the potential to shine on the world stage. He stressed the need to focus on sports in which India’s participation has remained limited.
He said India participated in only 13 sports at the 2012 Olympics, while it did not compete in more than 20 other sports. To increase the country’s medal count, India will have to identify talent and develop excellence in a wider range of sporting disciplines.
PM Modi mentioned sports such as surfing, sport climbing, water sports and winter sports. He said India has the geography and demographics needed for these sports but has not yet established a strong presence in several of them.
India Must Begin Preparing for the 2036 Olympics Now
The Prime Minister said India needs to identify the sporting potential of different districts and promote suitable disciplines accordingly. He said the Khelo India Dialogue could play an important role in this process.
Referring to preparations for the 2036 Olympics, he said the country’s focus should be on preparing athletes from today who can compete in different sports in 2036.
He said the Khelo India Dialogue is not merely a programme for discussing sports but a platform where every idea can give a new direction to India’s sports vision. Young people’s views and suggestions on the sports ecosystem, talent development, governance and a developed India will be heard and incorporated into policies.
PM Modi Highlights Achievements of Para Athletes
The Prime Minister referred to the achievements of several Indian athletes and said they continue to inspire young people across the country.
He mentioned Sheetal’s medal-winning performance in archery at the Paralympics, saying she made both the country and her home state of Jammu and Kashmir proud. He also referred to Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar and Jhandu Kumar as athletes who have inspired the nation.
Sports Can Lead to a Better and Healthier Life
PM Modi said sports are a guarantee of a better life. They help people stay fit and improve their overall lifestyle.
He also said sports develop the willpower needed to stay away from drugs and that promoting sporting activities is important in tackling the challenge of substance abuse.
The Prime Minister referred to veteran runner Fauja Singh and said he remained an example of lifelong commitment to sports and fitness.
Playgrounds Are More Important Than Screens
PM Modi said sports are now emerging as a professional career option in India and society’s attitude towards sports has also changed. He said more people are taking part in races, practising yoga with their families and participating in sports such as pickleball and badminton.
“Sports centres are more important than screens, and playgrounds are more important than PlayStations,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that opportunities for young people are increasing in areas such as sports science, sports psychology and training. Sports equipment, training methods, event management and competitive requirements are also changing.
He urged young people to make use of these growing opportunities and said he has complete faith in their strength and potential. PM Modi said that whether on the sports field or in other areas of society, the participation of young people is India’s power.
