Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav participated virtually in the ‘Khelo India Samvaad – Khel Ki Baat PM Modi Ke Saath’ programme from Dumna Airport in Jabalpur on Thursday, ahead of National Sports Day on August 29.
The programme, held in New Delhi, connected Prime Minister Narendra Modi with more than 8 lakh young people associated with nearly 1,600 institutions across the country.
In Jabalpur, the programme was organised at the Government Mahakoshal Arts and Commerce College in Civil Lines, where young participants watched the Prime Minister’s address live.
PM Modi Highlights Role of Sports in Viksit Bharat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to young people and everyone associated with sports on National Sports Day and remembered legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
He said sports should not be viewed only through the lens of winning medals. According to the Prime Minister, sports can serve as a platform to connect the energy of young people with the strength of sports in building a Viksit Bharat.
PM Modi also noted that the success of an athlete enhances the identity and reputation of their family, school, college, district and state.
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Focus on Expanding India’s Olympic Participation
The Prime Minister stressed the need to increase India’s participation across the Olympic disciplines.
He pointed out that India still has limited participation in several sports and called for identifying new opportunities and developing specialised sports ecosystems in different regions.
The approach, he said, should focus on creating the right infrastructure, training facilities and support systems for athletes.
Major Talent Hunt for 2036 Olympics
PM Modi also discussed India’s preparations for the 2036 Olympics and called for a large-scale talent identification campaign for children between 5 and 15 years of age.
He emphasised that talent selection should consider more than a child’s interest. Their abilities and suitability for a particular sport should also be assessed before providing specialised training.
The government is working towards developing a modern sports ecosystem, including sports universities and advanced training centres, along with other required facilities.
Sports Can Help Youth Stay Fit and Away From Addiction
The Prime Minister highlighted the role of sports in developing resilience among young people.
He said sports teach individuals to overcome setbacks, rise again after challenges and continue moving forward. He also referred to the achievements of para-athletes and said their success can inspire families and society.
PM Modi stressed that sports are important for fitness, a healthier lifestyle and better quality of life. He also underlined the role of sports in helping young people stay away from addiction.
Sports Emerging as a Career Option
The Prime Minister said sports are increasingly emerging as a viable career option for young people.
He highlighted opportunities not only in competitive sports but also in several allied sectors, including:
- Sports equipment
- Sports technology
- Sports medicine
- Nutrition
- Sports psychology
- Sports analytics
These emerging fields are creating new career opportunities for India’s young population.
PM Modi encouraged young people to make sports a part of their lives and urged them to come forward with their ideas and suggestions for strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem.
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