PM addresses Khelo India via video con
Guwahati, Feb 20:
Prime Minister,Narendra Modi on Monday emphasised the need to learn from the North East region’s rich sports culture, where sports and games are celebrated fervently.
Addressing Khelo India University Games being held across the seven states in the North East via a video message, the Prime Minister said “making a butterfly the mascot in these games also symbolises how the aspirations of the North East are getting new wings”. The mascot of the Khelo India University Games, is Ashtalakshmi in the shape of a butterfly.
The Prime Minister applauded the efforts of various state governments, including the Assam government, for their contributions to promoting sports and providing opportunities for youth to showcase their talents.
He emphasised that there was a shift in parental attitudes, noting that previously parents hesitated to involve their children in sports activities, fearing it would distract them from academics.
Modi expressed confidence that athletes participating in the Khelo India University Games would not only gain valuable experiences but also contribute to the advancement of a sports culture throughout India.
He underscored the government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for athletes, from training facilities to scholarships, and a record budget allocation of over 3500 crore rupees for sports this year.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the Khelo India University Games in Guwahati on Monday.
Thakur said that after the huge success of the Khelo India University Games held last year in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and the first Khelo India Winter Games in Ladakh, it’s now our turn to shine with this year’s University Games here in Guwahati.
He also said that the 4th Khelo India University Games 2023 are set to be an exciting showcase for 4,544 athletes from across the nation, competing in 18 different venues spread over the North Eastern States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Tripura-our Ashtalakshmi.
