PM Modi to address country’s youth ahead of National Sports Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the youth of the country, including sportspersons, across more than 1500 locations on Thursday to mark the occasion of the National Sports Day, which falls on August 29.

Modi’s virtual address will be part of the nationwide programme ‘Khelo India Samvaad - Khel Ki Baat, PM Ke Saath’, a major initiative of the sports ministry to be held two days ahead of the National Sports Day.

Hockey legend Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary, which falls on August 29, is celebrated as the National Sports Day in the country.

“Key excerpts from the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Independence Day message on Sports and Youth Power will also be showcased. This will be followed by the virtual address of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to the youth across the country,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said during a media briefing.

“Through this initiative, youth, athletes and educational institutions are being brought together at 1,500+ locations across the country.

“IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, premier medical colleges and universities, along with other leading educational institutions, are participating in this nationwide campaign.” He said the programme is a major effort to create a direct dialogue between sports-loving youth and India’s policymakers, providing young people with an opportunity to share their ideas, experiences and suggestions.

The programme will begin with a welcome by MY Bharat volunteers, followed by a special video presentation highlighting the transformational changes in India’s sporting ecosystem over the past 12 years.

Following the Prime Minister’s address, physical programmes will commence at 1,500+ locations across the country. At the national capital, the celebration will be held in four-five locations, including one at the IIT, Delhi, where Mandaviya will grace the occasion. “I will be present at the IIT Delhi for the celebrations (on August 27),” the minister said.

Leading former and current Indian athletes and international medal winners, including Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha will also interact with the youth of the country.

Other prominent sportspersons who will interact with the youth include Manika Batra, Deepa Karmakar, Saina Nehwal, Gagan Narang, Sreejesh, Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George, Karnam Malleswari, Mirabai Chanu, and some cricketers.

“They (the youth) will share their journeys, challenges, failures, successes and sporting experiences with young participants,” Mandaviya said. “The objective of the event is to inspire young people with the belief that a champion’s journey does not begin in a grand stadium, but with a small field and a first attempt.” Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, Union Ministers, Ministers of State and State Sports Ministers will participate in the programme. “These elected representatives and dignitaries will engage with youth and seek their ideas and suggestions on the four key themes,” he said.