Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled the second phase of Saansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 in Basti, Uttar Pradesh. PM Modi inaugurated the event via video conferencing. During the event, PM Modi said that the athletes who will perform well at the Saansad Khel Mahakumbh will be selected for further training at the Sports Authority of India's training centers. 

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister asserted that the Khel Mahakumbh would give new opportunities for local sportspersons to fly. He said, "I am an MP from Kashi. Even there, a series of such sports events has begun. By organising such Khel Mahakumbh at several places and organising MP sports events, MPs are working to build the future of the new generation."

Drawing an analogy to the life of a sports player filled with meditation and penance, he said that successful sports players were focused on their goal and overcome every obstacle in their path.

The PM hoped that the country’s traditional expertise in sports would get a new wing through such events and said that about 200 Parliamentarians have organised such Khel Mahakumbh in their constituencies.

PM Modi said, "Such events in sports motivate athletes to grow. In this Mahakumbh, over 40,000 youths are participating. Another speciality of Sansad Khel Mahakumbh is that our daughters are participating in it in large numbers. I am confident that the daughters of Basti, Purvanchal, UP and the country will similarly show their strength in national and international competitions." 

Recalling the Women’s U-19 T20 Cricket World Cup, he highlighted the achievement of the team captain Shefali Verma, who scored 5 consecutive boundaries and hit a 6 on the last ball, thereby accumulating 26 runs in one over.

Such talents are available in every nook and corner of the country and the Saansad Khel Mahakumbh plays a key role in scouting and harnessing them, said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister said that today the youth of the country has immense opportunities in the field of sports and called upon them to use Yoga and millets in their routine and diet chart for getting better health and fitness. He said that new India today is making all efforts to deal will the challenges in the field of sports and the government is giving all kinds of support to the players and working on the infrastructure of sports.

The Prime Minister gave examples of the historic performance of the nation in the Olympics and Paralympics and remarked that India’s performance in various sports fields is becoming a point of discussion in the world.

Sports is getting due prestige in society, he said, adding that this has resulted in unprecedented performance in the Olympics, Paralympics and other competitions.

Shedding light on the importance of the Fit India Movement, Modi said that every player knows the importance of fitness. The Prime Minister said, “with yoga, your body will also be healthy and your mind will also be awake. You will also get the benefit of this in your game.”

UP Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath and MP Harish Dwivedi were present on the occasion among others.

The Sansad Khel Mahakumbh has been organised in Basti district by Basti MP, Harish Dwivedi since 2021.

Image source: ANI