New Delhi, Aug 15 (PTI) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significant role of sports in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation during his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. He stated that the new National Sports Policy (NSP) would ensure a comprehensive development pathway from grassroots sports in distant schools to elite Olympic participation.
Highlighting India's progress, Modi remarked on the country's transformation in the perception of sports as a viable career option. "Sports is an essential aspect of development. It is heartening to see that the times have changed from when parents were resistant to sports as part of children's lives. Nowadays, it's appreciated," said the Prime Minister. His speech was met with applause from guests such as double Olympic-medallist shooter Manu Bhaker.
A New Era for Sports
The NSP, introduced on July 1 following cabinet approval, aims to instill accountability in the governance of sports. It mandates the establishment of processes to uphold ethical practices, fairness, and healthy competition. Among its initiatives are proposals for creating national agencies and inter-ministerial committees to expedite solutions to sports-related issues.
Moreover, the policy suggests a revitalized funding structure with programs like "Adopt an Athlete," "Adopt a District," "Adopt a Venue," "One Corporate-One Sport," and "One PSU-One State." These initiatives are envisioned to enhance support for sports at various levels.
"To promote sports, we have launched the National Sports Policy after several decades, promising to develop sports infrastructure and support from school levels up to the Olympic stage," declared Modi. "We aim to build an all-encompassing ecosystem for sports, covering coaching, fitness, and infrastructure nationwide."
The NSP's implementation quickly followed with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya facilitating the passage of the National Sports Governance Bill in Parliament. This bill sets a stringent regulatory framework for National Sports Federations and a clear system for resolving disputes.
Focus on Fitness and Health
Despite India achieving its best Olympic performance with a haul of seven medals, including a gold at the 2021 Tokyo Games, the necessity for improved fitness was emphasized by the Prime Minister. Modi highlighted national concerns regarding obesity, urging a reduction in oil consumption to tackle this burgeoning issue. "When discussing fitness and sports, we must also address obesity, a significant concern for our nation. It's forecasted that obesity may soon affect every third person, so reducing oil consumption is crucial," stated Modi.
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