Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the winners and participants of the Kashi MP Sports Competition, commending the enthusiasm and energy displayed by young athletes from the region.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “My heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all the winners and participants of the Kashi MP Sports Competition! The enthusiasm and excitement of the young participants was remarkable. They displayed their abilities and skills brilliantly.”
The Kashi MP Sports Competition, a key component of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, has emerged as a major platform for young talent, encouraging greater participation in athletics and promoting community engagement through sports and culture.
More than three lakh participants from rural and urban areas competed across 30 sporting disciplines, including kabaddi, wrestling, hockey, long jump, cyclothon and marathon. Thousands showcased exceptional talent, with top performers being awarded medals and certificates.
Organised by the Varanasi district administration, the tournament aims to create a unified platform for athletes from all backgrounds. The initiative continues Kashi’s rich sporting heritage, which has produced celebrated sportspersons such as the late Mohammed Shahid, Prashanti Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Vivek Singh, Sanjeev Singh, Swati Singh, Vijay Yadav and others who have earned international acclaim.
Under the Uttar Pradesh government’s sports framework, the competition features events at the block and district levels, with winners advancing to divisional and state-level tournaments. Officials highlight that the programme is designed not only to identify emerging talent but also to nurture discipline, sportsmanship and a sense of pride among the youth.
Beyond athletics, the initiative emphasises holistic youth development by fostering leadership qualities, social responsibility and national pride. It also provides a platform for rural cultural performers to participate in State and National Youth Festivals, further strengthening the state’s cultural representation.
(With IANS inputs)