Sporting talent a national asset, none should be left behind: PM Modi : The Tribune India
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, August 13
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday sports talent is a national asset and none should be left behind. Noting that the golden era of Indian sport was knocking on the doors, PM exhorted coaches and the Ministry of Sport to spot and nurture talent, saying Khelo India’s results were beginning to show.
The Prime Minister spoke at his residence, where he hosted the CWG contingent today.
“They all have not only bestowed medals on the country; They exemplified the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. Like freedom fighters who came from different parts of the country but aspired to the common goal of independence, you play for the national flag, the power of which we have seen in Ukraine, where it is flagged not only for Indians but also for foreigners who stand behind it have fled, has become armor. ”
The Prime Minister urged the players not to rest on their laurels and to prepare intensively for the Asian and Olympic Games.
“That’s just the beginning. We’re not one to rest on our past laurels. The golden era of Indian sports is knocking on our doors. We must strive to identify and nurture the best, most diverse, and most dynamic talent. No talent should be left behind. Talent is a national asset,” the prime minister told the players and coaches present.
Noting that India’s performance was exceptional even in new games at the CWG edition, the Prime Minister said it was encouraging that India is entering a new era with inspiration from its players.
“In the past few days, the country has recorded two achievements in the world of sport – a historic achievement at CWG and the organization of the Chess Olympiad for the first time. We not only successfully organized the Olympiad, but also performed well in accordance with our chess traditions,” noted the Prime Minister.
He said people at home were glued to TVs during CWG games and many set alarm clocks for updates on player performance.
“Speaking to you before you left, I felt confident that you would win,” he said, praising winners and contestants alike.
He commended them all for making Indian sport attractive and said an honest assessment of this year’s performance cannot be made from medal tables alone.
“Several players competed in head-to-head competitions. It’s no less than winning medals,” he said, adding that national sporting achievements reflected the spirit of the new India.
The Prime Minister recently praised the girls’ performance, who singled out Shimla’s Renuka Thakur for a fantastic four-wicket haul against Australia in the CWG T-20 game.
“She may have the calm of Shimla on her face, but she’s a formidable opponent for her competitors,” the Prime Minister said of Renuka.