Latest News

Hon’ble PM kick starts “Gujarat Khel Mahakumbh-2022”

• Tags
• Harsh Sanghvi
• Khel Mahakumbh
• Narendra Modi
• Prime Minister
• Shaktidoot
• Sports

11th edition of Khel Mahakumbh kept open by Prime Minister at Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad

The vision of our Prime Minister of Khel Mahakumbh has become a banyan tree today: CM

Following the Khel Mahakumbh started since 2010 with the noble idea of “Je Khele Te Khile” awareness has been raised for sports in Gujarat: CM

*****

Gandhinagar, Saturday:  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today kept open the 11th edition of Khel Mahakumbh and addressed the youths gathered at Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. He said that youths of Gujarat are now ready to touch the sky. This is not just sports mahakumbh but also a mahakumbh of the youth power of Gujarat. Praising Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Shri Modi said that Khel Maha Kumbh, which was postponed for two years due to Covid-19 pandemic, has been organized with more vigor and planning this year. This grand event has filled the sportsperson with new confidence and energy. Their efforts will give new impetus to the young players.

Shri Modi said that, “”I remember exactly, 12 years ago, in the year 2010, I started Khel Mahakumbh in the state.” The dreams I sowed; has become a banyan tree and has spread over the world. Starting with 16 games, 13 lakh players in the year 2010, after that participation of 40 lakh players in the year 2019 and 36 sports, 26 para-sports, this number has now reached over 55 lakh players. Our players are excelling in sports including Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Yogasana, Skating, Tennis. Government schemes like Shaktidoot are helping the players.

The youth emerging out of events like Khel Mahakumbh are enhancing the pride of Gujarat and the country in sports like Asian-Olympic-Commonwealth. There was a time when India’s identity in the sports world was limited to just one or two sports. Due to which some talents were kept hidden. Prior to this, the priority given to sports was neglected. Not only that, like politics, discrimination was also ingrained in sports and there was a great lack of transparency in the selection of good players. India’s youth talent is now reaching new heights. India has raised its flag globally by winning 07 medals at the Tokyo Olympics and 19 medals at the Tokyo Para Olympics. I am confident that, “Na Hindustan Zukega, Na Hindustan Thakega”, I have faith in the players of my country and their penance, I have faith in their dreams. Today, I can boldly say in front of millions of youth that India’s youth power will take the nation much further.

Expressing his confidence that the country will win many medals in the near future, Prime Minister Shri Modi further said, while returning to the country safely from Ukraine, the youth of the country have seen the power and influence of our tricolour. I have seen this spirit for the country in the eyes of the athlete who stood proudly on the podium and with our national flag. The youth who join with determination and dedication play a big role in guiding the nation.

Millions of youths have come from the villages and cities of the state, you are working day and night to fulfill your dreams, in your dreams I see the future of the nation and the state. The youth of the country have taken up the responsibility of all the campaigns of “New India” through schemes including Digital India, Self-reliant India, Start-up, Stand-up, Vocal to Local and Make in India to Made in India. Today, from software to space, from defense to artificial intelligence, India dominates in every field. The world is looking at India as a great power, added PM.

Recalling the main features of sports PM said that, the one who plays gets flourished. Advising the youth, Shri Modi said, don’t look for any shortcut for success. There is only one mantra of success; Long Term Planning and Continuous Commitment. Playing without stopping, without getting tired. It is because of this spirit that the country is moving forward. You too must continue to work hard. Perform 360 degrees and move ahead with teamwork. 360-degree teamwork is needed to take the sports to the pinnacle of success in India. The sports budget has been increased by 70% in the last 7-8 years. The amount of incentive prizes and grants they receive has been increased to alleviate the player’s future worries. Due to this, players are also coming from backward and tribal classes. The mentality of the society is changing now. Now, a career in sports means not only becoming No. 1 in sports, but also ancillary fields like coaching, sports software, sports management, writing, training, dietitian, physiotherapy can be adopted as a career. For this, professional institutes are being set up in the country. That is why Manipur National Sports University has been established in the year 2018, while Major Dhyanchand University is being established in Uttar Pradesh. PG program of sports is running in IIM-Rohtak of Haryana, Gujarat Sports University is also an excellent place to make a career in sports.

In order to make the sports ecosystem more comprehensive in Gujarat, sports complexes are being set up at taluka and district level, which is commendable, Considering the vast marine resources of the state, the potential of beach sports should also be considered for this region, said PM. If you play and stay fit, you will be able to build a nation and make the dream of “New India” come true.

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel in his occasional speech said that, the dream of Shri Narendrabhai to make sports an integral part of Gujarat’s culture 12 years ago is coming true under his guidance and leadership. The idea of ​​Khel Mahakumbh given by the Prime Minister has become a banyan tree today and more than 55 lakh sportspersons are participating in this Mahakumbh which was started in 2010 with the participation of 13 lakh sportspersons.

While talking about the changed scenario of sports in Gujarat CM said that, today in Gujarat, sports is no longer an extracurricular activity, but it has become a way of life and a means of holistic development. He added that children and youth in Gujarat are now choosing sports as a hobby as well as a profession.

Minister of State for Sports, Youth and Cultural Affairs Shri Harsh Sanghvi in his welcome address said that, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Bhai Modi has given us an example of the power of determination. under the leadership of the Prime Minister, development has reached to the last man of the nation and every citizen has got opportunities for development. Through self-reliant India and a series of projects like Make in India, Digital India, Startup India, Khelo India and Fit India Movement, has provided a platform to the youth of the country. Prime Minister of India has set an example of strong leadership by bringing back Indian students from Ukraine.

Before the year 2002, there were only 3 sports complexes in Gujarat, the number of which has reached 24 today. Today there are 44 sports schools functioning in the state, said shri Sanghvi.

On the occasion Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State for Home Department Shri Harsh Sanghvi, Ministers of the State Government, office bearers and a large number of sportspersons, coaches and artists were present.

Prime Minister formally inaugurated Khel Mahakumbh and digitally unveiled State’s Sports Policy 2022-27.

The program was hosted by renowned radio jockey (RJ) Devaki Dave. Some of the distinguished singers of the state, including Shri Parthiv Gohil, Ms. Bhoomi Trivedi, Ms. Jayshree Shrimankar, Mr. Bhavik Shastri, gave performances and enthralled the youth present. artists-yoga practitioners and dancers performed on the occasion.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat