Haldwani, Feb 14 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the essence of 'sports' is to have the spirit of victory, not to be disheartened by defeat, and to be inspired to win again even after a loss.
Addressing the closing ceremony of 38th ‘National Games’ in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, Shah said that the future of Indian sports is bright and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through initiatives like "Fit India and Khelo India," has inspired every youth to engage in sports.
He said that national records were made in several sports, including weightlifting, shooting, and athletics, which has raised hopes of winning medals at international competitions, an official statement said.
He said that with the successful conduct of the 38th National Games, Dev Bhoomi (Uttarkhand) has now become a ‘Khel Bhoomi’ with the help of sports infrastructure developed in every district of the state.
Shah said, due to the efforts of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Dev Bhoomi has moved upwards from 21st place to 7th place in terms of the country's sports infrastructure.
While congratulating the athletes from Uttarakhand who won a large number of medals in the National Games, Shah said that it is they who have truly made Dev Bhoomi a land of sports.
The minister appreciated the organising committee of the 38th National Games and the sports federations, stating that it was due to their efforts that a small state like Uttarakhand was able to successfully organise these games at such a high level. He said that the true message of sports is the spirit of victory and not being disheartened by defeat. Adding that the next National Games is to be held in Meghalaya, where athletes will have another opportunity to win medals.
Shah also said that during the next National Games, to be held in Meghalaya, some events will be organised in other northeastern states as well so that the entire North East resonates with the National Games. He said that the organisation of sports competitions in small states like Uttarakhand and Meghalaya shows the dedication of these states towards sports.
He said that due to the initiatives of the Modi government, there has been a significant change in the sports environment in the country, sports infrastructure has been developed in many districts of the country, athletes and coaches have been encouraged, and transparency has been introduced in the selection process, which has enhanced the reputation of Indian sports globally.
Shah stated that the country's athletes have made the nation proud in international competitions too.
"In the Olympics and Paralympics, our athletes have won several times more medals, which indicates a significant improvement in the country's sports infrastructure, sports atmosphere, and hunger to win," he said.
Shah said, "Today, a hilly state like Uttarakhand has successfully organised such a large event, which indicates that every state in India is not only ready to play but also prepared to strengthen its sports infrastructure. By utilising the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), many of our athletes are preparing for great success in the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games."
Stating that India is ready to host the Olympics in 2036, Shah said, "We have made our bid to host the Olympic Games, and we are confident that when the Olympics are held in India in 2036, the athletes participating in this sports mega event in Uttarakhand will win medals, thereby bringing glory to the tricolour and the national anthem."
While paying tribute to 40 soldiers who were martyred in the terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on this day in 2019, stated that their sacrifice not only ensured the safety of the country but also led to a strong response by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who carried out a cross-border airstrike against the terrorists.
He emphasised that because of this, the global perspective on India has changed, and the message has gone out to all terrorists worldwide that no one can play with India's borders and military.
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