Saansad Khel Mahakumbh in Gorakhpur: PM Modi lays stress on developing sporting talent at grassroots

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasized the development of grassroots sports talent, saying the center has tripled the sports ministry’s budget since 2014.

The Prime Minister practically spoke at the closing ceremony of the Saansad Khel Mahakumbh held in Gorakhpur.

He expressed confidence that the event would lay the groundwork for India to become a sports superpower.

Prime Minister Yogi Adityanath and local MP Ravi Kishan were present at the venue.

The prime minister recalled the days when sports and games were part of village festivals, where such activities were organized in the ‘akhadas’. He lamented that these traditions were fading.

He pointed to physical education classes in schools being relegated to “pastime periods” and said this has caused the country to lose three or four generations of sports talent.

Welcoming events such as “Saansad Khel Mahakumbh,” Modi said, “Regional-level competitions not only showcase local talent, but also boost the morale of athletes across the region.”

“The Saansad Khel Mahakumbh is a new track, a new system,” he said, adding that it must play a major role in highlighting the country’s potential in the sporting world.

“Saansad Khel Mahakumbh is laying the robust foundation of a great infrastructure for the future of sport,” said the Prime Minister.

Noting that all athletes have worked hard to reach this level, he stressed that winning and losing is part of sport and life.

Commenting on the initiative, Modi said folk singers, dancers, painters and musicians also took part.

“Be it from the field of sports, arts or music, their spirit and energy are all the same,” said the prime minister, who is the Varanasi MP.

This was the third “Saansad Khel Mahakumbh” event held by Modi in recent weeks.

Previously, he had practically addressed such events in Basti.

The prime minister reiterated the idea of ​​creating new ways and systems if the country is to become a force to be reckoned with in the sporting world.

Highlighting the growing popularity of such events, he noted that 20,000 athletes had participated in the first edition of the Gorakhpur Khel Mahakumbh and the number had risen to 24,000 including 9,000 female athletes.

He also stressed the importance of promoting millet, popularly known as “Mota Aanaj,” for better youth health.

EVERY VILLAGE HAS A SPORT KINDERGARTEN: YOGI ADITYANATH

Prime Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday reiterated his government’s commitment to sponsor a sports kindergarten in every village.

He also applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing about a revolutionary change in youth perceptions about sport. Yogi Adityanath addressed a gathering at the closing ceremony of the Sansaad Khel Mahakumbh event in Gorakhpur.

He said the government-initiated programs Khelo India and Fit India have enabled youngsters to see the importance of sport. Their performance and participation in national and international sports competitions have improved and they have won more medals, the prime minister said.

He also said work is underway to ensure a sports field in each village and a mini sports stadium on each block. In addition, the state government appoints international award winners to posts published in the Official Gazette, he said.

(WITH AGENCY ENTRY)