Power of sports increases power of nation: PM Modi

Bengaluru, April 24 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the power of sports increases the power of the country.
“Identity in sports enhances the identity of the country. I still remember when I met the players who had just returned from the Tokyo Olympics. More than their victory on their faces, they had the pride of winning for the country. Nation’s victory is no match to the happiness that comes from it,” he said in a message at Khelo India University Games inauguration here.
“You too are not playing just for yourself or your family today. These may be university games, but play it as if you are playing for the country, preparing a great player within you for the country. This spirit will take you forward . This spirit will win you on the field and will also fetch you a medal,” he added.
Sports is the true support system of life in its true sense, PM said. “The learning that takes you forward in sports, the same takes you forward in life,” he said. “He who embraces challenges, both in sports and in life, is the winner,” Modi added.
The skill of digesting victory and the art of learning from defeat are the most valuable parts of progress in life, PM said. “And we learn this by playing in the field,” he said.
The first mantra to be successful is Team Spirit, PM said adding that this trait people get to learn from sports. “You will experience it for the first time in the Khelo India University Games. This team spirit also gives you a new way of looking at life,” he said.
Modi said winning the game means holistic approach and 100 percent dedication. “Many players will emerge from you who will play at the state level in future . Many of the youth will further represent the country at the international level. This experience of your sports field will help you in every field of life,” he said.
The PM said Bengaluru city itself is the identity of the youth of the country and the confluence of sports in the world of startups is amazing.
Holding the mega event will further increase the energy of the beautiful city and the youth of the country will also return from here with new energy.
Modi said amidst the challenges of the global pandemic, this game is an example of the determination and spirit of the youth of India.