Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Friday. PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for broadcasting sector projects worth approximately Rs 250 crore. The logo of DD Tamil was also launched during the event.
During his address at the inauguration, PM Modi said: "I extend my best wishes to all the athletes and sports lovers who have come to Chennai from across the country. Together, you are showcasing the true spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. The warm people of Tamil Nadu, the beautiful Tamil language, culture and cuisine will surely make you feel at home."
Highlighting the significance of sporting events like Khelo India Games, Youth Games, University Games, Winter Games, and Para Games, PM Modi expressed happiness over the role they play in providing opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents. He also noted, "I am happy that the mascot for the Khelo India Youth Games is Velu Nachiyar".
PM Modi projected a positive outlook for the Indian sports industry, estimating its size to touch nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in the coming years.
PM Narendra Modi reflected on the notable improvement in India's athletic performance since 2014. He attributed his success to hard work, passion, and critical government support. Modi emphasised that the government's reforms over the past decade have instilled new confidence in athletes, resulting in historic performances at events such as the Asian Games, Para Games, and University Games. He emphasised the transformative changes in the sports system that led to the remarkable progress.
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PM Aims For 2036 Olympic Games As Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Kick Off
PM Modi announced the government's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games, underlining the commitment to provide international exposure to athletes and position India as a global sports hub. Highlighting the substantial progress made in the last 10 years, Modi addressed the positive shift in the sports landscape, attributing it to comprehensive reforms, improved performance by athletes, and unwavering government support. The Prime Minister commended Indian athletes for achieving their best performances in Tokyo, making history in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games.
The Prime Minister emphasised the country's desire to become a leading sporting nation, as well as the importance of hosting major sporting events on a regular basis. Modi emphasised initiatives such as Khelo India, which seeks to realise the dreams of economically disadvantaged youth, including those from poor, Adivasi, and lower-middle-class families.
"When we say vocal for local, it includes sporting talent as well. At the local level, we are giving practice and holding tournaments." In the last 10 years, many international sporting events have been conducted in India for the first time. You can imagine, that we have such a big coastline, and beaches, but for the first time beach games were held in Diu. It included the traditional Malkhamb and 8 other sports and 1,600 athletes from the country competed," the Prime Minister was quoted as saying by PTI.
On Friday, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik, and Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udayanidhi Stalin participated in the event.
Addressing during the inauguration, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "I welcome our Honorable Prime Minister for the launch of Khelo India Youth Games 2023. This is a dream come true moment as Tamil Nadu is hosting the 6th edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2023. Khelo India symbolizes a spirit of sportsmanship, determination and unity."
"The Khelo India scheme was launched 7 years ago as a brainchild of PM Modi, with a vision to boost a strong sporting culture at the grassroot level and to build a framework for all sports played in our country, establishing India as a great sporting nation," says Union Minister Anurag Thakur.
The competition will feature various disciplines such as football, kabaddi, volleyball, Judo, weightlifting, squash, archery, boxing, badminton, table tennis, cycling, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, shooting, yoga, wrestling, and more. These events will take place in Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, and Madurai.
The release also mentioned the historic introduction of Silambam, a traditional sport of Tamil Nadu, as a demo sport in the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time. Over 1,000 referees and 1,200 volunteers will be actively involved in the event.