Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the growing enthusiasm for sports among India’s youth and lauded emerging athletes for their achievements during the 132nd edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.
Emphasising the importance of sports in personal and national development, the Prime Minister reiterated his belief that “those who play, blossom,” noting that young Indians are increasingly taking up disciplines that were previously less popular.
PM Modi praised Gulveer Singh for his remarkable performance at the New York City Half Marathon, where he finished third and became the first Indian athlete to complete a half marathon in under one hour.
He also commended teenage squash sensation Anahat Singh for winning a major international title at the Squash on Fire Open. At just 17 years old, she has emerged as the youngest Asian female player to break into the top 20 of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) world rankings.
Highlighting initiatives to promote women’s participation in sports, the Prime Minister mentioned the Asmita Athletics League, where events organised around International Women’s Day saw participation from nearly two lakh girls across the country.
PM Modi said the growing involvement of women in sports reflects a broader transformation underway in India’s sporting landscape, with “Nari Shakti” playing a pivotal role. He expressed confidence that this momentum would continue to inspire more young athletes and strengthen India’s presence in diverse sporting disciplines.
