Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared his vision for making India a sporting superpower and praised the Indian contingent for winning nearly 600 medals at the recent World Police and Fire Games.
In the 124th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said that the government’s ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ has been widely appreciated.
“The goal of this policy is clear — to make India a sporting superpower,” he said, adding that startups related to sports, whether in sports management or manufacturing, will be supported in every possible way.
The PM said the policy gives special attention to villages, the underprivileged, and daughters. “Schools and colleges will now make sports a part of everyday life,” he said.
“Imagine how much strength the mission of self-reliance would gain when the youth of the country play with self-made rackets, bats, and balls. Friends, sports create team spirit. This is the path to fitness, self-confidence, and building a strong India. So, play a lot and blossom a lot,” he added.
Speaking about the biennial World Police and Fire Games, which concluded on July 6 in Birmingham, Alabama, PM Modi said India’s uniformed heroes are making headlines not just through their service, but also in sports.
“This time, the tournament was held in America, and India created history. We won close to 600 medals and ranked among the top three out of 71 countries. The hard work of our uniformed personnel, who serve the country day and night, has paid off. These friends of ours are now raising the tricolour in the sports arena as well. I congratulate all the players and the coaching team,” he said.
The Prime Minister also tested the listeners’ knowledge by asking, “Do you know which is the biggest sporting event after the Olympics? The answer is — the World Police and Fire Games… a sports tournament between policemen, firefighters, and security personnel from all over the world.”
He added, “By the way, it will also interest you to know that in 2029, these games will be held in India. Players from across the world will come to our country. We will showcase India’s hospitality and introduce them to our sports culture.”
The government plans to host the event in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Ekta Nagar.
—IANS