Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a heartfelt conversation with the winners of the Chess Olympiad, reflecting on the successful ‘Khel Mahakumbh’ initiative from his time in Gujarat. The initiative, which encouraged widespread participation in sports, played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant sporting culture in the state.
In a video shared on social media, PM Modi expressed his pride in the Indian chess contingent that secured gold medals at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad. He emphasized the significance of promoting sports at all levels, stating, “When I governed Gujarat, my government ran the Khel Mahakumbh, which involved lakhs of students and helped identify many young talents.”
PM Modi highlighted the importance of developing a robust sporting culture in India, urging citizens to embrace sports as a regular part of their lives. “There is an abundance of talent in our country,” he said. “We must instill a spirit of sportsmanship among the people and ensure that achievers emerge in every field to represent the nation.”
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The Prime Minister also shared his vision for a “Viksit Bharat,” underscoring the need for comprehensive growth across all sectors, including sports, science, and technology. “A country doesn’t become developed solely based on its economy or GDP; it requires holistic advancement in various domains,” he noted.
In another video from the meeting, members of the Indian men’s and women’s teams recounted their experiences with the Prime Minister, sharing insights from their successful journey in Hungary. The atmosphere was light-hearted, with the players gifting PM Modi a chessboard and engaging in playful conversation. The Prime Minister even took the opportunity to watch young chess prodigies Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi play a blitz game.
This celebration not only honored the achievements of the chess champions but also reinforced PM Modi’s commitment to nurturing a sporting culture in India.
