Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel, governor Acharya Devvrat, Union minister Anurag Thakur and other dignitaries were present.
“The largest stadium in the world is hosting the largest sports event for the nation with the youngest population. When the event is so amazing and unique, energy will be just as extraordinary,” said PM Modi.
He said the victory of the players in the field of play and their strong performance also paved the way for the victory of the country in other fields and added, “I often tell sports mates: Success starts with action.”
Modi further said that Fit India and Khelo India have become a mass movement.
“That is why, today more and more resources are being given to the players and more and more opportunities are also being given.”
India’s top athletes present Torch of Unity to Prime Minister Narendra Mod.
Giving a mantra to all the players, Modi said, “If you want to win the competition, you have to learn to live with commitment and continuity. We should never consider defeat and victory in sports as the last word.”
“Till eight years ago, players from India used to participate in less than a hundred international events. Players from India now participate in more than 300 international events,” Modi added.
The prime minister also said that the sports budget of the country has increased by almost 70 per cent during the last eight years.
Meanwhile, the PM asked players who have come from other states to definitely enjoy the Navratri event along with sports.
Praising Narendra Modi, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said that the state became a policy-driven under the leadership of PM Modi.
“The state’s sports policy was launched by him. The development of a world-class sports university in Baroda is near completion,” he added.
