In Jalandhar, Prime Minister Modi urged the youth of Punjab to explore opportunities in sports. Describing Jalandhar as the center of sports production, he said that Khelo India and international cooperation are opening new avenues for athletes.
Jalandhar (Punjab) [भारत]July 17 (ANI): Highlighting the important role of Jalandhar in the country’s sports manufacturing industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on the youth of Punjab to take advantage of the growing opportunities in Indian sports. He said the Centre’s expanding sports ecosystem and international collaboration are opening new avenues for aspiring athletes.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 5,470 crore in Jalandhar, the Prime Minister praised Punjab’s rich sporting heritage and encouraged the youth to make the most of government initiatives aimed at nurturing sporting talent.
New sports economy being created through ‘Khelo India’
PM Modi said, “We have seen how the youth of Punjab bring glory to India on the sports field. Today I want to tell them that this is the time of a big opportunity for you. The ‘Khelo India’ campaign and the ‘Khelo India Sports Policy’ have been launched especially for you. A new sports economy is currently being developed in India, and Jalandhar’s sports manufacturing ecosystem is at the center of this economy.”
International cooperation will provide opportunities
Highlighting India’s growing sports partnerships with other countries, the Prime Minister referred to his recent visit abroad and said international collaboration will benefit Indian athletes and the sports industry. PM Modi said, “I recently visited Australia and New Zealand, and many agreements have been signed with them. I urge all the youth to get involved in sports and make their mark on the global platform. Our government stands with you in every possible way.”
Earlier this month, PM Modi visited three countries covering Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, with sports cooperation emerging as one of the key focus areas. During his visit to Australia, Modi visited the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) along with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria premier Jacinta Allen. The two countries also unveiled a sports cooperation roadmap aimed at strengthening cooperation in athlete training, sports science, sports technology and investment in the sports industry, as well as proposed launching an India-Australia Youth Sports Festival. A major announcement during the visit also confirmed that an Australian Big Bash League (BBL) match will be held in Chennai, marking the first overseas league cricket match to be played in India.
In New Zealand, the Prime Minister attended sporting and business events at the Viaduct Business Center in Auckland, where he visited a Sports Innovation Showcase focused on high-performance training and sports technology.
Eye on hosting 2036 Olympics
The government believes that these partnerships with Australia and New Zealand will strengthen athlete development and India’s sports ecosystem as the country prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and advances its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. (ANI)
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