KOZHIKODE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India’s sporting landscape has changed over the years with people taking up sports as full-time career option, reflecting in the country’s improved on-field performance. “India has huge potential in sports. We have no shortage of talent. But we need to provide right kind of opportunity and create an eco-system to nurture the talent,” Modi said through a video message while inaugurating the 400m synthetic track at the Usha School of Athletics at Kinalur.
Addressing P T Usha as ‘Payyoli Express, ‘Udan Pari’ and the ‘Golden Girl’ of India, the PM heaped praise on the former sprint queen. “P T Usha has been a shining line of sports in India. She endured several challenges and went on to enter the Olympics final where she missed the medal by a whisker. In the history of Indian athletics, very few have achieved a track record like her,” he said.
“Usha, the nation is proud of you. It’s a great feat that she has continued her association with sports. Now, her trainees are bringing good results and have already made their mark in international events,” he said. The PM said women athletes have made the country proud and other women should be encouraged to take up sports. “Women in our country have made us proud by their achievements in all fields - more so in sports. We must encourage our daughters and allow them to take up sports,” Modi said.
“For me, sports includes these attributes. S for Skill, P for perseverance, O for optimism, R for resilience, T for tenacity and S for stamina,” he said.
Sports Council website inaugurated
Kozhikode: Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel inaugurated the website of the Kerala State Sports Council at a function held here on Thursday. Kerala State Sports Council president T P Dasan presided over the function held at Hotel Malabar Palace. M K Raghavan MP, Sports Council vice- president Mercykuttan and Sports and Youth Affairs Department secretary Dr B Ashok attended the function.