PM: Sports culture will improve India’s soft power

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the inaugural ceremony of the seventh Khelo India Youth Games via videoconferencing.

• The games, organized in Bihar from May 4 to 15, showcase exceptional talent and determination.

• Modi emphasizes that sports in India are evolving into a distinct cultural identity.

• He emphasizes the government’s prioritization of sports in its policies.

• Modi emphasizes India’s efforts to host the Olympics in 2036.

• He acknowledges the growing presence of Indian athletes in emerging sports like Wushu, SepakTakraw, Pencak Silat, Lawn Bowls, and Roller Skating.

• The sports budget has increased more than threefold this year, with a significant portion allocated to infrastructure development.

• Modi acknowledges the establishment of the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Rajgir and institutions like Bihar Sports University and the State Sports Academy.