NewzVille Desk
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural ceremony of 7th Khelo India Youth Games via videoconferencing today. Addressing the gathering, he remarked that players from across the country had gathered, showcasing exceptional talent and determination. He highlighted their dedication and hard work, acknowledging their contribution to the sporting spirit of the nation.
Emphasizing the remarkable skills and commitment of the athletes, the PM Modi affirmed that their passion for sports and continuous pursuit of excellence bring pride to the nation. He extended his best wishes to them for their future endeavors.
Highlighting the extensive competitions to be held across multiple cities in Bihar during the Khelo India Youth Games, including Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, Modi noted that in the coming days, over six thousand young athletes would participate, carrying their dreams and aspirations with them.
He extended his best wishes to all the players, emphasizing that sports in India is now evolving into a distinct cultural identity. “As India’s sporting culture grows, so will the country’s soft power on the global stage”, said Shri Modi, underscoring the significance of the Khelo India Youth Games in providing a major platform for the nation’s youth.
Underscoring the importance of continuous improvement for athletes, emphasizing the necessity of playing more games and participating in more competitions to refine their skills, the Prime Minister reiterated that their government has always given top priority to this aspect in its policies. He highlighted that various sporting events under Khelo India—University Games, Youth Games, Winter Games, and Para Games—are held throughout the year at multiple levels nationwide. These consistent competitions, he remarked, boost athletes’ confidence and bring their talent to the forefront. Citing an example from cricket, the Prime Minister lauded Bihar’s own Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his outstanding performance in the IPL at such a young age. He emphasized that while Vaibhav’s hard work was crucial, the exposure to multiple competitions also played a key role in shaping his talent.
The Prime Minister asserted that the more an athlete plays, the more they thrive. He remarked that the Khelo India Youth Games provide young athletes with an opportunity to understand the nuances of national-level sports and gain valuable experience.
Stressing that hosting the Olympics in India has been a long-cherished dream of every citizen, PM Modi underlined India’s efforts to bring the Olympics to the country in 2036,reaffirming the nation’s commitment to strengthening its presence in international sports.
He underscored the government’s focus on identifying sporting talent at the school level and providing them with structured training. He remarked that initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme have contributed to building a robust sports ecosystem, benefiting thousands of athletes across Bihar and the rest of the country.
He stressed the importance of giving athletes opportunities to explore diverse sports. He noted that Khelo India Youth Games has incorporated traditional and indigenous games like Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, and even Yogasana to promote India’s rich sporting heritage.
Modi also acknowledged the growing presence of Indian athletes in new and emerging sports. He highlighted recent commendable performances in disciplines such as Wushu, Sepak Takraw, Pencak Silat, Lawn Bowls, and Roller Skating.
He recalled the historic moment when India’s women’s team secured a medal in Lawn Bowls at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, bringing global recognition to the sport in India.
He expressed confidence that the athletes would carry fond memories from Bihar. He also encouraged those visiting from outside the state to savor the taste of Litti Chokha and Bihar’s famous Makhana.
Expressing hope that the Khelo India Youth Games would elevate both the spirit of sportsmanship and patriotism among the participants, the Prime Minister officially announced the commencement of the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games.
The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya, Raksha Khadse, Ram Nath Thakur were present among other dignitaries at the event.
