Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the sporting environment in the country has significantly improved, adding that sportspersons should now scout for new targets to script new records in the field of sports.
Hailing the performances of the country's sportsmen in international tournaments, the Prime Minister remarked that Indian sportspersons performing well in the international arena is only the beginning and said that India has a long way to go in the field of sports.
PM Modi's remarks came while inaugurating the second phase of Saansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 organised in Basti district, Uttar Pradesh, via video conferencing.
"India gave its best performance in the Olympics and Paralympics till date. India's performance in various tournaments is becoming a topic of discussion. This is only the beginning. We have to travel a long distance. We have to achieve new targets. We have to make numerous new records. Sports is a skill and a nature, sports is a talent and also a commitment," he said.
He praised India U19 captain Shafali Verma's 'terrific' performance in the ongoing Women's U-19 T20 World Cup as the India opener has slammed 5 consecutive fours and hit a six in the last ball of the over, scoring 26 runs in one over.
"A few days back we saw how India's captain Shafali Verma gave a terrific performance in the Women's U-19 T20 World Cup. Shafali hit 5 consecutive fours and hit a six in the last ball of the over, scoring 26 runs in one over. Such talent resides in every corner of India," PM Modi said at the event.
"Young athletes who perform well at Saansad Khel Mahakumbh are being selected for further training at Sports Authority of India's training centres. It'll benefit country's youth power. In this Mahakumbh,over 40,000 youths are participating," PM added.
The Khel Mahakumbh is a novel initiative that provides an opportunity and platform to the youth of District Basti and neighbouring areas to showcase their sporting talent and motivates them to take sport as a career option.
(ANI)