On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian athletes who were competing in the Asian Games 2022 in New Delhi.
"On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I welcome all of you (athletes)." Because of your efforts and accomplishments, there is a festive spirit throughout the country. We never lacked talent in our country, but owing to a variety of impediments, our athletes were unable to translate their talent into medals," PM Modi remarked during his remarks.
The Prime Minister hosted the athletes in recognition of their exceptional performances in the Asian Games and to inspire them for future tournaments.
"The government will go to any length to ensure that the athletes receive the best possible care." You now have 100 medals. We will smash this record the next time. "Make your best effort for the Olympics in Paris," Modi told the Asian Games contingent on Tuesday.
Interacting with our incredible athletes who represented India at the Asian Games. Their outstanding performances exemplify true spirit of sportsmanship. https://t.co/SAcnyJDTlc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 10, 2023
The next Olympic Games will be hosted in Japan in 2026.
"The athletes attempted to give it their all. In India, there was never a shortage of talent. The will to win was always present. They used to perform well before, but there were a lot of roadblocks in their way.
"But after 2014, Indian athletes are getting the best training, facilities and competitions abroad," Mr. Modi remarked.
The PM stated that the Asian Games haul was a good indicator for the future of the sport in the country, and that the medal winners had opened "new avenues" that would drive a whole "new generation."
"We won medals in every event we competed in." The canvas is expanding, which is a good sign for India. You have created fresh opportunities that will inspire the next generation. This (performance) will also provide new motivation for the Olympics in Paris (next year)," Modi remarked.
"Our women delivered an outstanding performance. They demonstrated the country's women's strength. Women won half of the medals at the Asian Games. I didn't think they were willing to settle for anything less than a gold medal in track and field."
The Prime Minister also praised the sports ministry's flagship initiative, Khelo India, calling it a big success.
"During the Asian Games, 125 athletes from the Khelo India program won 40 medals." This demonstrates that Khelo India is on the right track.
"Khelo India provides training, coaching, medical, and dietary assistance to over 3,000 athletes." A total of Rs 25,000 crore in aid is being provided to athletes. Money will not stand in the way of the athletes' success. The government would spend an additional Rs 3000 crore on athletes over the next five years, and more infrastructure will be built," stated Modi.
The Prime Minister also referred to any athlete who brought honours as the country's G.O.A.T.
"Today's Indian athletes are looking for more than just a solid performance. They desire medals. You are the country's G.O.A.T."
The Prime Minister also urged the medalists to raise awareness against drugs and doping in schools.
"The country is engaged in a nirnayak (decisive) war against drugs... a war against doping." I want you to go to schools and tell students how to win medals the proper way, and they will listen to you. You have a significant impact on this.
"Make it your mission to educate children about the dangers of drugs."
In the Asian Games 2022, India won a total of 107 medals, including 28 gold medals. In terms of overall medals won, this is India's best showing in the Asian Games. The Prime Minister congratulated the Indian contingent on their outstanding achievement, saying that each awe-inspiring performance had made history and thrilled the hearts of compatriots with pride.
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