Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the shift in parental attitudes towards sports. While noting that whereas previously parents in the country hesitated to involve their children in sports, fearing it would distract them from academics, they now take pride in their achievement in sporting disciplines at all levels.
Addressing participants of the Khelo India University Games being held across the seven States in the North East via a video message on February 19, he stressed the importance of celebrating and honouring athletes’ achievements, stating, “Just as academic achievements are celebrated, we must develop a tradition of honouring those who excel in sports.”
He highlighted the mascot of the Khelo India University Games, i.e. ‘Ashtalakshmi’ in the shape of a butterfly. Mr Modi who often calls the eight States of the region ‘Ashtalakshmi’ said “making a butterfly the mascot in these games also symbolises how the aspirations of the North East are getting new wings.”
The PM emphasised the need to learn from the North East region’s rich sports culture, where sports are celebrated fervently, inspiring athletes across disciplines i.e. from football to athletics, badminton to boxing, weightlifting to chess.
Conveying his best wishes to athletes, the Prime Minister complimented them for creating a grand image of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. “Play wholeheartedly, play fearlessly, win for yourself and your team, and even if you lose, do not fret. Every setback is an opportunity to learn,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the evolving ecosystem of opportunities for the youth, stating, “Whether it’s Khelo India, TOPS (Target Olympics Podium Scheme), or other initiatives, a new ecosystem of possibilities is being created for our young generation.” He emphasised the Government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for athletes, from training facilities to scholarships, and a record budget allocation of over
₹3,500 cr for sports this year.
Addressing sportspersons during the inaugural ceremony, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur said that the 4th Khelo India University Games 2023 will be an exciting showcase for 4,544 athletes from across the nation, competing in 18 different venues.
Guwahati hosted 16 disciplines including athletics, rugby, basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton, hockey, fencing, kabaddi, women’s football, tennis, mallakhamb, judo, table tennis, Women’s boxing, and shooting. The rest of the North Eastern cities played host to six events, namely: archery, men’s football, men’s boxing, weightlifting, wrestling and yogasana.
“Let Khelo India games ignite a flame of passion and unity across our great nation. May the 4th Khelo India University Games be remembered not just for the records broken or medals won, but for the friendships forged, the barriers broken, and the collective dream of a Viksit Bharat,” said Thakur.
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said, in his speech, that it was a matter of great pride for the State and its residents for playing host to a sporting event of this magnitude. He said sports have the potential to foster unity among various groups of people and that they contribute greatly towards the idea of “Ek Bharat, Sresth Bharat”.
The Chief Minister expressed hope the athletes from more than 200 universities across the country shall take back home fond memories from Assam and the rest of the North East while highlighting the number of national and international events that Assam has hosted in the recent past.
The Chief Minister said that the State would like to host the National Games again. “Assam hosted the National Games for the first time in 2007, but I will request the Central Government to give Assam the opportunity to host the 2025 or 2026 National Games,” said Dr Sarma.
The ceremonial torch was handed over to the Assam Chief Minister by boxer Jamuna Boro, a bronze medallist in the 2019 World Championships.
