PM Modi praises Uttarakhand’s sports growth and National Games success in Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commended Uttarakhand's rise as a major sporting hub in India while highlighting the country's progress toward becoming a global sports powerhouse.

Speaking during the 119th episode of his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi reflected on the recently concluded National Games held in Uttarakhand, where over 11,000 athletes showcased their skills. He noted that the event presented a new image of Devbhoomi and reinforced the state’s growing impact on Indian sports.

"The National Games in Uttarakhand proved that those who never give up, definitely win. I am happy that along with the determination and discipline of our young athletes, India is rapidly moving towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse," he said.

Expressing pride in Uttarakhand’s achievements, the Prime Minister highlighted the state’s impressive seventh-place finish in the National Games. He emphasized that sports not only shape individuals but also bring about transformation at the community level.

Stressing the broader significance of sports, he pointed out that they help cultivate a culture of excellence, inspire future generations, and create performances that leave a lasting impact.

PM Modi also extended his congratulations to the Services team for winning the most gold medals and applauded several standout athletes for their performances. He specifically mentioned Sawan Barwal from Himachal Pradesh, Kiran Matre and Tejas Shirse from Maharashtra, Jyothi Yarraji from Andhra Pradesh, Sachin Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Pooja from Haryana, and Dinidhi Desinghu from Karnataka for their remarkable achievements.

Acknowledging their efforts, he stated that their performances had sparked new hope and won the admiration of people across the country.

During his address, the Prime Minister also raised awareness about a pressing health concern—obesity. Referring to discussions at the National Games’ opening ceremony in Dehradun, he highlighted the growing obesity crisis in India. Citing World Health Organization data, he warned that one in eight people is affected by obesity and that the number of cases has doubled in recent years.

More concerning, he noted, is the fourfold increase in childhood obesity.

Explaining the health risks associated with excessive weight, he pointed out its link to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. However, he reassured that with simple yet effective steps, the issue could be managed. To drive this initiative forward, he invited Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, champion boxer Nikhat Zareen, and renowned cardiologist Dr. Devi Shetty to share their insights on obesity prevention.

The Prime Minister also urged citizens to adopt healthier eating habits, particularly by reducing oil consumption in their diets. He stressed that dietary choices are not just a personal matter but a shared responsibility toward family and society.

"Using less oil in food and dealing with obesity is not just a personal choice but also our responsibility towards the family. Excessive use of oil in food can cause many diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension," he said.

"By making small changes in our food habits, we can make our future stronger, fitter, and disease-free. Therefore, without delay, we must increase our efforts in this direction and implement them in our lives. We can all do this together in a very playful and effective way," he concluded.