'Pool of sporting talent': PM Modi says India ready to host Olympics in 2036
PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that this year's sports budget is three times that of nine years ago and that India has a large pool of sporting talent and is ready to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
He said India's recent sporting success is a huge inspiration for all young athletes. His remarks come just weeks after the country won a record 107 medals at the Asian Games in China. Modi said after launching the 37th National Games at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao that the Games are taking place in Goa at a time when Indian sports are reaching new heights.
"We have brought in changes in schemes to provide financial incentives to sportspersons. India has no dearth of sporting talent," PM said adding that the country has produced many sports champions.
"The country has produced champions despite deprivation, yet poor performance in the medal tally always rankled people," he stated.
After 2014, the Centre has built the required sports infrastructure, made competition selection more transparent, and changed financial schemes for athletes, he added. Modi stated that his administration has worked to remove obstacles to the advancement of sports.
"The government has devised a strategy to get players to the Olympic podium (to win medals)." "We can see the effect now," he said.
The Prime Minister also mentioned several key measures taken by his government in the last 30 to 35 days, including the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill, India successfully completing a key test in the Gaganyaan mission, the launch of Namo Bharat trains of the Regional Rapid Transit System, and 'Operation Ajay' to help Indians trapped in Israel.
- With inputs from agencies
