‘Work with different approach regarding sports tournaments’, PM Modi to Sports ministers

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the northeast for its role in advancing the nation’s sporting heritage and urged government ministries to take a “different approach” to organising sporting events.

The prime minister also urged the ministries and ministers in charge of sports to concentrate on building up sports facilities and providing instruction based on competitions. PM Modi delivered his remarks through video conference to the ‘Chintan Shivir’ of State/UT Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports in Imphal, Manipur.

“Northeast and Manipur have significantly contributed to taking forward the sports tradition of the country. Last year, the athletes of India, performed amazingly in so many international sports events. Along with celebrating their win, we also must think about how we can help them more,” PM Modi said while addressing on the occasion.

“The preparations of the Sports Ministry and its departments will be tested in events like Squash World Cup, Hockey Asian Champions Trophy, and Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship in the times to come. While players are preparing themselves, it is now time for the ministries to work with a different approach regarding sports tournaments,” he added.

“Drawing the analogy of man-to-man marking in sports like football and hockey, the ministers need to carry out different strategies for each tournament and follow the approach of match-to-match marking. You have to focus on sports infrastructure, and sports training according to each tournament. The goals have to be decided on short-term, medium-term and long-term,” he said.

PM Modi further emphasised the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments. The Khelo India Scheme has enhanced sports infrastructure at the district level, according to PM Modi, who also suggested extending the improvements to the block level.

“India will be able to establish itself as a leading sports country only when such efforts are made all-round,” PM Modi added. The broad objectives of the Chintan Shivir are to focus to encourage creative and innovative thinking among secretariat personnel by putting forward their views and ideas on making the nation fitter and making India into one of the biggest sporting powers in the world.