The Khelo India programme has been introduced to revive the sports culture in the country at grassroots level and make India a sporting nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the first Khelo India School Games at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The Khelo India programme has been introduced to revive the sports culture in the country at grassroots level and make India a sporting nation.
"Sports should occupy a central place in the lives of our youth. Sports is an important means of personality development. In your busy schedules, devote time to games...give priority to playing. Today we have in our midst eminent sportspersons. I am sure they would have faced many obstacles but they did not give up and went on to distinguish themselves," said Modi on Wednesday.
"India does not lack sporting talent. We are a youthful nation and we can do even better in sports. When we say India has to grow on the world stage, it does not only mean having a strong army and powerful economy. It includes people of India distinguishing themselves as scientists, artists, sportspersons. And, I am confident India will scale these heights. I trust our youth.
"Khelo India is not only about winning medals. It is an effort to give strength to a mass movement for playing more. We want to focus on every aspect that would make sports more popular across the nation. It is gladdening to see youngsters from rural India and smaller cities excelling as sportspersons. These are also youngsters who need support, which we want to provide.
"Those who love sports play for passion, not for monetary rewards. This is why athletes are special. When an Indian sportsperson wins and when he or she gets to hold the Tricolour, it is an extremely special feeling and it energises the entire nation," concluded Modi.
Watch Modi's speech here
Here are glimpses of the event
In keeping with Prime Minister Modi's vision, Khelo India is expected to help scout young talent from the schools in various disciplines and groom them as future sports champions.
Talented players identified in priority sports disciplines at various levels will be provided annual financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh per annum for eight years.
The 'Khelo India' programme, was initially launched by former Sports Minister Vijay Goel but was later revamped by his successor Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sport, Col. (Retired) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
Over the coming nine days, Under-17 players will vie for 199 gold medals, 199 silver medals and 275 bronze medals in across 16 disciplines: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shooting, Swimming, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.
The school games will be held at multiple venues in Delhi. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex are among the venues where the games will be held. The inaugural games will conclude on February 8.
There will be 199 gold, 199 silver and 275 bronze medals at stake. The Khelo India programme is expected to help scout young talent from the schools in various disciplines and groom them as future champions.
Talented players identified in priority sports disciplines by a High-Powered Committee will be provided annual financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh per annum for eight years.
(Inputs from ANI and PTI)
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