Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with athletes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently interacted with India’s Commonwealth Games champions, extending his congratulations for their medal-winning performances. He highlighted that their achievements serve as a significant inspiration for a new generation to engage in sports. Modi noted that athletes have been a regular part of his interactions over the past decade, attributing their sustained success to effectively inspiring children more than traditional campaigns promoting sports participation.
During the interaction, Modi emphasised that these achievements should be viewed not merely as individual victories but as crucial milestones capable of motivating future generations. He stated, “I do not consider this achievement only yours. This victory becomes a great inspiration for future generations.” The Prime Minister also underscored the athletes’ role in fostering a sporting culture nationwide, suggesting that winning medals requires more than just enhancing sports infrastructure.
Modi articulated, “Sports arrangements are one thing, but the country wins medals when a sports culture is built in the country.” This interaction also brought to light the positive influence of the government’s Khelo India programme, with several athletes sharing how this initiative and support from the Sports Authority of India have been instrumental in their career progression.
Impact of government initiatives on Indian sports
The journey of Indian sports has seen a significant transformation since 1934, when India secured a single bronze medal at the British Empire Games, now known as the Commonwealth Games. Ninety-two years later, at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, a contingent of 122 athletes competed across ten sports, returning with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze. Notably, eight of those thirteen gold medals were won by women.
This evolution is partly attributed to a shift in treating sport as a national priority. Initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), launched in 2014, aim to identify top sports talent and eliminate financial barriers. Under TOPS, the government funds not only the athlete but also their entire support system, including foreign coaches, physiotherapists, sparring partners, video analysts, airfare, and medical insurance. This scheme supported athletes such as javelin thrower Kishore Jena for training in Australia before Paris 2024, and backed the setups for PV Sindhu and Neeraj Chopra.
The Khelo India programme, initiated in 2018, focuses on talent scouting at school and college levels through annual Khelo India Youth Games and University Games. This system channels promising athletes into structured support early in their careers. In early 2025, following the National Games in Uttarakhand, the Prime Minister acknowledged several young Khelo India participants by name, highlighting the effectiveness of the talent pipeline.
Athletes share personal journeys and future aspirations
During the interaction, athletes recounted personal stories detailing their journeys, which included overcoming injuries, family challenges, and narrow misses at previous international competitions. One athlete shared an experience of missing a medal at the Paris Olympics by 1 kg before achieving success at the Commonwealth Games, noting the emotional impact of the national flag and anthem during the medal ceremony after years of effort. Modi praised this sentiment, stating that every tear reflected the profound significance of the achievement.
Another athlete dedicated a victory over Pakistan to the Indian Army and the heroes of the Kargil conflict, as the bout coincided with Kargil Vijay Diwas. Athletes also shared lighter moments from their international experiences, fostering a jovial atmosphere during the conversation with the Prime Minister. Modi encouraged athletes who have benefited from Khelo India to now contribute to the programme by motivating younger students to participate in sports.
He emphasised, “If you raise the prestige of Khelo India, prestige will not come just by cutting ribbons. You must play as a small student, a young boy, a young player plays.” Modi concluded the interaction by reiterating the sporting message associated with Khelo India: “Jo Khelega, Wo Khilega,” signifying that whoever plays will flourish. India has also expressed its intention to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games and is scheduled to host the Commonwealth Games again in 2030.
Source: dailypioneer.com
