In a momentous event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the virtual closing ceremony of the Amethi Sansad Khel Pratiyoñgita 2023 on Friday. The occasion was marked by the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, who not only felicitated the sports competition’s victors but also laid the foundation stones for 879 development projects worth Rs 700 crore.
According to a report from All India Radio (AIR), Prime Minister Modi shed light on the substantial investment and support extended to athletes across the country. Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), hundreds of athletes receive coaching and training both within India and overseas, with financial assistance amounting to crores of rupees. The Prime Minister further informed the audience about the Khelo India Games, where more than three thousand players receive a monthly stipend of Rs 50,000. This aid assists athletes in fulfilling their various needs, ranging from training and dietary requirements to coaching, equipment, and other essential expenses.
UP’s Annu Rani, Parul Chaudhary, Sudha Singh gets special mention
PM Modi emphasized the remarkable emergence of sporting talents from small towns across the country. He cited the Asian Games as a prime example, where a significant number of medal-winning athletes hailed from these modest locales. The Prime Minister highlighted that the government’s unwavering support for these talents, along with the provision of state-of-the-art facilities, has yielded remarkable results, showcasing the immense potential within India. Notably, PM Modi commended the stellar performances of athletes from Uttar Pradesh, including Annu Rani, Parul Chaudhary, and Sudha Singh.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took the stage, highlighting the monumental impact of the Sansad Khel Pratiyogita in providing a platform for countless young athletes to exhibit their talents. The event witnessed a record-breaking participation of 1.11 lakh players, testifying to the program’s overwhelming success. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded the achievements of Indian athletes at the Asian Games, pointing out that the nation’s performance set a new standard in terms of the total number of medals secured. India’s remarkable tally of 107 medals, including 28 gold medals, was particularly notable. Impressively, a quarter of these medals were clinched by athletes from Uttar Pradesh.
State govt issues appointment letter to athletes
In an inspiring commitment, CM Yogi Adityanath declared the Uttar Pradesh government’s dedication to creating employment opportunities for young athletes. To this end, the state government has already issued appointment letters to 500 medal-winning athletes from various sporting disciplines. Drawing motivation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh is diligently fostering athletes and promoting sports throughout the state. The government is actively constructing stadiums in every district, establishing mini-stadiums at the block level, and providing sports grounds in every village. Moreover, the distribution of sports kits to youth and women’s welfare committees further underscores their commitment to nurturing sporting talent.
Union Minister Smriti Irani, speaking at the event, underlined the vision of Prime Minister Modi, which has led to the emergence of the Sansad Khel Pratiyogita as a crucial platform for local players. Notably, the competition witnessed the participation of an impressive 1.11 lakh players, who showcased their talents across 13 sporting disciplines over the course of 25 days. It was heartening to witness numerous young girls stepping forward to display their remarkable abilities in the world of sports.