PM Modi lauds CWG champions for inspiring India

MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with India’s Commonwealth Games champions and congratulated them for their medal-winning performances, saying their achievements are inspiring a new generation to take up sports.

During the interaction, Modi said athletes have been among the people he has regularly met over the past decade and credited their continued success with inspiring children more effectively than campaigns urging them to play sports.

Modi said the athletes’ achievements should not be viewed only as individual victories, but as milestones that can motivate future generations.

“I do not consider this achievement only yours. This victory becomes a great inspiration for future generations,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of athletes in creating a sporting culture across the country, saying winning medals requires more than improving sporting infrastructure.

“Sports arrangements are one thing, but the country wins medals when a sports culture is built in the country,” Modi said.

The interaction also highlighted the impact of the government’s Khelo India programme, with athletes sharing how the initiative and support from the Sports Authority of India helped them progress in their careers.

One athlete recalled being part of the first Khelo India programme in 2018, where they won a silver medal before progressing to higher levels of competition.

Modi said athletes who have benefited from Khelo India should now contribute to the programme by encouraging younger students to take up sports.

“If you raise the prestige of Khelo India, prestige will not come just by cutting ribbons. You must play as a small student, a young boy, a young player plays,” he said.

Several athletes shared personal stories from their journeys, including injuries, family difficulties and narrow misses at earlier international competitions.

One athlete recalled missing a medal at the Paris Olympics by 1 kg before returning to the podium at the Commonwealth Games. The athlete said the national flag and anthem during the medal ceremony triggered an emotional response after years of hardship.

Modi praised the moment, saying every tear reflected the significance of the achievement.

Another athlete spoke about dedicating a victory over Pakistan to the Indian Army and the heroes of the Kargil conflict, noting that the bout took place on Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The athletes also shared lighter moments from their experiences at international competitions, prompting Modi to joke and interact with them during the conversation.

Modi said India’s athletes have not only increased the country’s medal tally but are helping prepare an entire generation of sportspersons.

He congratulated the champions for making the country proud and expressed confidence that they would continue to achieve success in future competitions.

The interaction concluded with Modi reiterating the sporting message associated with Khelo India: “Jo Khelega, Wo Khilega”, or whoever plays, will flourish.