In a heartfelt video message, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the culminating ceremony of the Amethi Sansad Khel Pratiyogita 2023, celebrating the spirit of sports and the dedication of the participating athletes.
PM Modi began by acknowledging the auspicious atmosphere for sports in India, marked by the country’s impressive tally of medals at the Asian Games. He lauded the athletes from Amethi who demonstrated their sporting prowess at the Amethi Sansad Khel Pratiyogita and recognized the newfound energy and confidence they acquired during this competition.
The Prime Minister highlighted the invaluable experience these young athletes have gained over the past 25 days, emphasizing its significance for their future in sports. He took a moment to extend his heartfelt congratulations to everyone who played a role in supporting and encouraging these budding athletes—be it teachers, coaches, or representatives from schools and colleges. PM Modi reserved special praise for Amethi MP Smriti Irani for her instrumental role in making this event a resounding success.
PM Modi underscored the profound importance of sports in the development of any society. He emphasized that sports offer a natural platform for the holistic growth of individuals, promoting qualities such as perseverance, teamwork, and determination. The Prime Minister acknowledged that numerous Members of Parliament from the current government have initiated sports competitions in their respective constituencies, paving the way for societal development. He expressed confidence that the young athletes of Amethi would not only secure medals at national and international levels in the years to come but also find the skills acquired from these competitions immensely valuable.
The Prime Minister celebrated the unwavering dedication of athletes to achieving victory for themselves and their teams, drawing parallels to the collective spirit of the nation. PM Modi highlighted the shared aspiration of every citizen to put the nation’s interests first. He stressed that every individual in every district has a role to play in transforming India into a developed nation. To achieve this, he emphasized the need for unity of purpose and resolution across all sectors.
PM Modi cited government initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the Khelo India Games, which provide extensive support to youth athletes. Under the TOPS scheme, hundreds of athletes receive training and coaching both in India and abroad, with financial assistance running into crores of rupees. Additionally, over 3,000 players benefit from the Khelo India Games program, receiving a monthly allowance of Rs 50,000 to meet their training, diet, coaching, kit, equipment, and other essential expenses.
The Prime Minister recognized that in contemporary India, talent from small towns is gaining recognition and the opportunity to shine. He credited the transparent approach of the government, which allows young individuals to showcase their skills. PM Modi highlighted the success of many renowned athletes who hail from smaller cities and towns, pointing to the government’s support as a driving force. He cited examples of athletes like Annu Rani, Parul Chaudhary, and Sudha Singh from Uttar Pradesh, all of whom have excelled in their respective fields.
PM Modi concluded by expressing his confidence that the dedicated efforts of the athletes would soon yield impressive results, with many of them bringing honor to the nation and the tricolor flag. The Prime Minister’s words served as both motivation and a testament to the power of sports in nurturing talent and fostering a sense of unity and national pride.
