Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Madhya Pradesh’s remarkable achievements in sports during his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat. He extended congratulations to the state for winning the highest number of medals in the country’s first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival, held at Dal Lake, Srinagar.
Highlighting the strong participation of women athletes, Modi lauded the festival for fostering inclusivity and encouraged continued excellence in sports across India. Madhya Pradesh topped the medal tally, followed by Haryana and Odisha.
Football Craze in Shahdol Attracts German Coach’s Attention
In a remarkable global spotlight on Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi shared a story about the increasing popularity of football in Shahdol district. The Prime Minister mentioned that a German football coach, Didmar Bayer Dorf, was inspired after hearing about the football craze and the talent emerging from Shahdol during a podcast.
Impressed by the young players, the coach has offered to train some of them at a football academy in Germany. The Madhya Pradesh government has already made contact, and soon, two boys, two girls, and one coach from the football-loving village of Vicharpur (nicknamed Mini Brazil) will receive advanced training abroad.
Football coach Rais Ahmed expressed pride that this international opportunity will equip players and coaches with modern skills and prepare them to compete on a global stage.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav Listens to Mann Ki Baat from Morena
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav tuned in to the Mann Ki Baat program from Piparseva in Morena district, joined by Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar and local residents. This engagement underlines the state leadership’s active involvement and support for the sporting developments recognized nationally.
Prime Minister Urges Citizens to Embrace Swadeshi During Ganesh Utsav
PM Modi also urged citizens to follow the path of Swadeshi (self-reliance) during the upcoming Ganesh Utsav festivities. He reinforced the message of “Vocal for Local”, “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, and working towards a Developed India.
Spotlight on Water Sports Gold Medalist Mohsin from Bhopal
In his address, the Prime Minister spoke with Mohsin, a gold medalist from the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, who shared his dreams of winning an Olympic medal and having the national anthem played on the world stage. Mohsin also mentioned his visit to Bhopal in connection with water sports training.
Other Highlights from Mann Ki Baat
PM Modi also touched on several other topics during the program, including–
- Launch of Pratibha Setu, a digital platform for Civil Services aspirants
- Appreciation of efforts by the army, social workers, and administration during monsoon-related natural disasters
- Recognition of Jitendra Singh Rathore from Surat for his collection of martyr photographs
- Increased adoption of solar energy
- Celebrations of Engineers Day, Vishwakarma Puja, and Hyderabad Liberation Day
- Global Indian heritage moments like the unveiling of the Lord Shri Ram statue in Mississauga, Canada, and Maharishi Valmiki Ji’s statue in Camp-Rotondo, Italy
- A Ramayana-themed painting competition held in Vladivostok, Russia
