Have great enthusiasm to see India excel in sports, says Prime Minister Modi

Felicitating the medal winners of the 17th Asian Games, at 7 Race Course Road, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Tuesday that he has great enthusiasm to see India excel in sports.

Congratulating those who had brought laurels for the country at the Asian Games, he said, "I have great enthusiasm to see India excel in sports."

Expressing hope that the combination of his enthusiasm and the spirit of the sportspersons would bring good results for the nation, he said, "No country can go forward without self-respect and pride."

"When Mangalyaan successfully reached Mars, it was the achievement of the scientists, but a matter of pride for all Indians, and it brought global recognition for India. Similarly, a sportsperson's achievements bring respect and pride for all Indians," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also urged the assembled sportspersons to feel free to give their suggestions to him, and to call on him personally if they have anything specific to talk about. He also said that they should consider him their "friend."

Appreciating the efforts made for the "Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan" by Mary Kom and Sachin Tendulkar he said, "These had much greater visibility than a Prime Minister wielding the broom. Sportspersons do as much for the country as political leaders."

"India has a long history of sports, and a sports stadium has been discovered in the archaeological site of Dholavira near Kutch. Ancient texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata also show focus on physical activities as part of education. But we have not geared ourselves up to compete globally," said Prime Minister Modi.

"The situation is slowly changing now, as states focus on specific sports, and setting up Sports Universities," he added.

India is tying up with other countries for development of sports and the corporate world is now coming forward to promote specific sports, and this augurs well for the future.

The Prime Minister suggested that award-winning sports persons, who can speak well, should deliver talks in Universities, as this will prove inspirational for youth.

Urging sportspersons to be cautious about their conduct, he said, "A mistake by one sportsperson can bring bad name to the country."

The recently concluded Asian Games, which were held in Incheon, South Korea, saw India finish at the eighth position in the medal's tally with 11 gold, 10 silver and 36 bronze medals.