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PM Modi Emphasizes Sports in National Development

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of sports in India's quest to become a developed nation. He announced that the newly introduced National Sports Policy (NSP) aims to foster sports growth from the most remote schools to the elite level of the Olympics.

During his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Modi reflected on the progress made since sports were once dismissed as an impractical career choice.

He stated, “Sports is a vital component of development, and I am pleased to see a shift in mindset. Parents who once discouraged their children from engaging in sports are now supportive of their interests,” as he received applause from notable guests like double Olympic-medallist shooter Manu Bhaker.

Modi expressed pride in the growing acceptance of sports within Indian families, viewing it as a positive sign for the nation's future.

The NSP, which was approved by the cabinet and launched on July 1, emphasizes accountability among sports administrators and aims to establish processes that promote ethical practices, fair play, and healthy competition in the sports sector.

It proposes the formation of national agencies and inter-ministerial committees to ensure prompt action and effective resolution of sports-related issues. Additionally, the policy introduces a revamped funding model with initiatives like 'Adopt an Athlete', 'Adopt a District', 'Adopt a Venue', 'One Corporate-One Sport', and 'One PSU-One State' where applicable.

Modi stated, “To enhance sports, we have developed the National Sports Policy after many years. It will support sports development from schools to the Olympics.”

He emphasized the need to create a comprehensive ecosystem for coaching, fitness, and infrastructure that reaches every corner of the country.

Shortly after the NSP's introduction, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya successfully advocated for the long-awaited National Sports Governance Bill in Parliament, which aims to establish a stricter regulatory framework for National Sports Federations and a clear dispute resolution system.

Despite India's efforts, its Olympic performance has been lackluster, with the 2021 Tokyo Games yielding its best results to date—seven medals, including one gold.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of fitness in sports culture, urging the nation to combat obesity by reducing oil consumption.

He remarked, “When discussing fitness and sports, I must address the obesity crisis. Predictions indicate that one in three individuals may be obese in the future, and we must lower oil consumption to tackle this issue effectively.”