Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation

Salient Points of PM Modi’s address at the Opening Ceremony of Khelo India School Games on 31 Jan, 2018

Sports should occupy a central place in the lives of our youth. Sports is an important means of personality development

In your busy schedules, devote time to games…give priority to playing. Today we have in our midst eminent sportspersons. I am sure they would have faced many obstacles but they did not give up and went on to distinguish themselves

India does not lack sporting talent. We are a youthful nation and we can do even better in sports

When we say India has to grow on the world stage, it does not only mean having a strong army & powerful economy. It includes people of India distinguishing themselves as scientists, artists, sportspersons. And, I am confident India will scale these heights. I trust our youth

Khelo India is not only about winning medals. It is an effort to give strength to a mass movement for playing more. We want to focus on every aspect that would make sports more popular across the nation

It is gladdening to see youngsters from rural India and smaller cities excelling as sportspersons. These are also youngsters who need support, which we want to provide

Those who love sports play for passion, not for monetary rewards. This is why athletes are special. When an Indian sportsperson wins and when he or she gets to hold the Tricolour, it is an extremely special feeling and it energises the entire nation