PM Modi: Nepotism in sports over; talent from poorest families rising to the top – Awaz The Voice

 
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said nepotism and irregularities that once plagued Indian sports ended after 2014, enabling children from even the poorest families to rise to the highest levels purely on the basis of talent and hard work.
Addressing the Sansad Khel Mahotsav, a nationwide sports and fitness festival aimed at promoting a sporting culture and leadership among youth, Modi said the initiative was discovering thousands of talented sportspersons across the country.
“The scale of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav is as vast as its impact. It is steadily emerging as a strong pillar of youth empowerment and nation-building,” he said, adding that the festival was also playing a transformative role in changing societal mindsets towards sports.
The prime minister said that before 2014, irregularities in team selection and shortcomings in sports infrastructure were common.
“Today, those practices have come to an end. Now, children from even the poorest families can rise to the top levels purely through hard work and talent,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s focus on sports development, Modi said the sports budget has crossed Rs 3,000 crore, compared to less than Rs 1,200 crore before 2014.
He added that under a special scheme, athletes are being provided monthly financial assistance ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.
“I want to tell every athlete of the country that you are not just playing for your own victory, but for the honour and dignity of the tricolour,” the prime minister said.
Modi also urged parents to encourage their children to participate in sports, stressing that sports are essential not only for learning but also for physical and mental well-being.
Describing the growing sports culture in the country, he said inspiring examples are emerging from every corner of India — from differently abled athletes overcoming limitations to young girls striving tirelessly to realise their dreams.
“Today, India’s athletes are breaking records, setting new benchmarks and taking the country to new heights on the global sporting map,” he said.
The prime minister noted a shift in societal attitudes, recalling that earlier children were often discouraged from playing sports.
“Now parents understand that excelling in sports can change not only their child’s life, but also the destiny of the family, village and society. Today, opportunities in sports are unlimited,” he said.
Modi said India will host the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030, adding that the country is also making efforts to host the Olympic Games in 2036.
The Sansad Khel Mahotsav features competitions at village, block or ward, and parliamentary constituency levels, and includes traditional games, football, volleyball and cricket, along with fun events such as tug of war, lemon-spoon race and sack races to ensure wider participation.
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The festival aims to bring communities together through sports while taking the message of Fit India to every household.
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