NEW DELHI: The second edition of ‘Khelo India National Winter Games’ which are being organised in Jammu and Kashmir will help in developing a new sporting ecosystem in the Union Territory and help in making it a sporting hub, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
Speaking at the inaugural address of the 2nd edition of the Khelo India National Winter Games, PM Modi said “the ‘Khelo India’ centres of excellence will also promote Jammu and Kashmir tourism.”
“These games happening in Gulmarg show Jammu and Kashmir is ready to reach new heights of peace and development. The experience of ‘Khelo India Winter Games’ will help us move forward with a holistic approach. These winter games in Jammu and Kashmir will help establish a new sporting ecosystem. The ‘Khelo India’ centres of excellence will also promote Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that sports is no longer just a hobby or “time pass” in the country. “In sports, we learn team spirit, look for new ways in defeats and learn to repeat victories. Sports shape the lives and lifestyle of players. It boosts self-confidence,” he stated.
The Prime Minister pointed out that under the new National Education Policy, sports have been given a lot of importance, and the government is opening sports universities in India.
“We have to think about how we can take sports science and management to the school level. It will give our youth more opportunities and increase India’s participation in the sports economy,” PM Modi stated.
Addressing the young sportsperson participating in the games, the Prime Minister said, “When you show your talent at Khelo India National Winter Games, remember that you are not just a part of a sport, but you are also a brand ambassador of self-reliant India. The world evaluates India with the ground you work on.”
Health eco-system
Meanwhile, Prime Mminister Narendra Modi has said that Indian health eco-system is being seen with new eyes, new respect and new credibility today. Speaking at the convocation of Tamil Nadu’s Dr MGR Medical University via video conferencing, Prime Minister said that during the ‘unexpected COVID-19 crisis’ India has not only made a new path but helped others too.
“In a time of COVID-19, India has not only made a new path but helped others too. Today, India is among the countries with the lowest death rate and high recovery rate. Indian health eco-system is being seen with new eyes, new respect, and new credibility. However, this also means that the world will have greater expectations from you which is a responsibility on your young and strong shoulders,” the Prime Minister said.
He said that doctors are among the most respected professionals in our country, and today after the pandemic, the respect has gone up even more.
PM Modi said his government in the past six years had done multiple things to improve the medical sector in the country.
“During the last 6 years, MBBS Seats increased by more than 30 thousand, which is a rise of more than 50 per cent from 2014. The number of PG seats increased by 24,000 which is a rise of around 80 per cent from 2014. In 2014, there were six AIIMS in the country. In the last 6 years, we have sanctioned 15 more AIIMS across the country,” he said
He added that the National Medical Commission established by his government will bring “great transparency and will rationalise norms to set up new medical colleges”.
“It will also improve the quality and availability of human resources in this sector,” he said. (ANI)