Narendra Modi participates in Khelo India Dialogue

Narendra Modi yesterday participated in Khelo India Dialogue via video conference. The Prime Minister warmly congratulated the organizers, Union Cabinet members, Chief Ministers, and lakhs of My Bharat volunteers for orchestrating such a magnificent event. Noting the upcoming National Sports Day on August 29, he extended his advance wishes to the youth and the entire sporting community across the nation."This day is also to remember a great child of Mother India, Major Dhyan Chand ji," remarked Shri Modi.

Recalling the historic tour of the Indian Army's hockey team to New Zealand a century ago, the Prime Minister highlighted Major Dhyan Chand's foundational role in establishing bilateral sports relations. Mentioning his own recent visit to New Zealand where he honored the legend's memory, he emphasized the nation's ongoing commitment to enriching those historic ties."The foundation of relationships that Major Dhyan Chand ji laid, today India is continuously working for the prosperity of those relationships," affirmed Shri Modi.

Reflecting on the sports vision he recently unveiled from the Red Fort on Independence Day, the Prime Minister stressed that the value of sports extends far beyond simply winning medals. He described sports as a vital campaign to seamlessly integrate the nation's athletic and youth power toward building a Viksit Bharat ."I have always kept saying, those who play, will blossom," remarked Shri Modi.

Elaborating on the broader definition of success in sports, the Prime Minister explained that athletic achievement fundamentally fosters the blossoming of individual personality, familial pride, and national glory. He noted that a single player's success elevates the prestige of their school, district, and state, firmly placing local regions on the global map."Every district has the potential to make its mark on the global sports map. It is with an understanding of this immense potential, we have to take this Samvaad program forward," asserted Shri Modi.

Drawing attention to a significant challenge highlighted during his Independence Day address, the Prime Minister lamented India's historical non-participation in nearly half of all Olympic disciplines. Citing the 2012 Olympics where India competed in merely 13 sports, he emphasized that the nation misses out on a massive portion of the medal tally by ignoring over 20 global sporting events." To increase our medal tally, we will absolutely have to achieve mastery in these sports as well," asserted Shri Modi.

Highlighting immense untapped potential, the Prime Minister pointed out that despite possessing vast coastlines and mountainous regions perfectly suited for surfing, sports climbing, and winter sports, India remains globally invisible in these arenas. He called for a highly targeted approach to explore and develop specialized sporting ecosystems within diverse districts across the nation.

Outlining a long-term strategy for the 2036 Olympics, the Prime Minister stressed the urgent need to immediately identify and prepare athletes capable of qualifying across a wide spectrum of sports. He reiterated the launch of a massive national Talent Hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15, emphasizing that the selection process must prioritize both interest and specific physical fitness for respective disciplines."Whatever support is needed from the government for this, the government will walk shoulder to shoulder with you in it," affirmed Shri Modi.

Reaffirming the administration's commitment to building a modern, 21st-century sports ecosystem, the Prime Minister detailed the ongoing establishment of specialized sports universities and advanced training centers. He noted that the government is actively increasing international cooperation to share global best practices in sports science, training, and coaching."A system is being built in the country where, from identifying talent to taking it to the world stage, support is received at every level," observed Shri Modi.