Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the second phase of Saansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 via video conferencing on Wednesday. The tournament has been organised in the Basti district by Shri Harish Dwivedi, Member of Parliament from Basti since 2021.

Various competitions in both indoor and outdoor sports like wrestling, kabaddi, kho kho, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, handball, chess, carrom, badminton, table tennis, etc. are organised at the Khel Mahakumbh. Apart from these, competitions in essay writing, painting, rangoli making etc are also organised during the event.

Expressing his happiness over the fact that about 40,000 athletes, three times more than the last year, are participating in the Khel Mahakumbh, the prime minister informed that through these games, performing athletes are being picked up for further training under the Sports Authority of India.

Recalling the history of Basti, he said it’s the pious land of Maharishi Vashist which is made up of labour and meditation, asceticism and renunciation. Drawing an analogy to the life of a sportsperson filled with meditation and penance, he said successful players are focused on their goal and overcome every obstacle in their path.

Appreciating the scale on which the event is organised, the prime minister hoped that India’s traditional expertise in sports will get a new wing through such events. He informed that about 200 Parliamentarians have organised such events in their respective constituencies.

As a Member of Parliament from Kashi, Modi informed that such events are being organised in Varanasi too. “By organising such events, MPs are shaping the future of the new generation,”he said.

Modi expressed delight at witnessing a game of Kho Kho where the daughters of the land played the game with great skill, dexterity and team spirit. He congratulated everyone involved in the game and wished them the very best in their pursuit. Highlighting the key aspect of the girls’ participation in the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh, the prime minister contended that the daughters of Basti, Purvanchal, Uttar Pradesh and all over India will showcase their talent and skills at a global stage.

The prime minister recalled the time when sports was considered an ‘extracurricular’ activity and was relegated to a hobby or activity without much value, a mentality that greatly harmed the country. This led to many talented sportspersons not achieving their potential. In the last 8-9 years, the country has taken many initiatives to overcome this drawback and create a better environment for sports. This has resulted in many more youngsters taking up sports as a career. Among the public also benefits like fitness, health, team bonding, tension relieving, professional success and personal improvement.

“This is just the beginning, we have a long way to go,” the prime minister continued, “Sports is skill and character, it is talent and resolve.”

Highlighting the importance of training in the development of sports, the prime minister suggested that sports competitions should be continued to give players a chance to test their training. He explained that sports competitions at different levels and regions make the players aware of their potential thereby helping them develop their own techniques while also helping the coaches in identifying shortcomings and providing room for improvement.

He said Youth, University and Winter Games are giving many opportunities to athletes to keep improving. Through Khelo India financial assistance of 50,000 per month is also being provided to 2500 athletes. About 500 Olympics probables are being groomed under Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS). Keeping in mind the need for international training, some players have received assistance from 2.5 crores to 7 crore.

The Khel Mahakumbh is a novel initiative that provides an opportunity and a platform for the youth of District Basti and neighbouring areas to showcase their sporting talent, and motivates them to take sport as a career option. It also endeavours to inculcate the spirit of discipline, teamwork, healthy competition, self-confidence and nationalism among the youth of the region.