Lucknow, 28th July (UNI): Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Anurag Thakur, announced that within the next three months, a thousand centers for ‘Khelo India’ will be established across the country, and these centers will provide jobs to national athletes. Thakur made this statement during a program held at the KD Singh Babu Stadium here. He mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi increased the budget for sports from Rs 864 crore in 2013 to Rs 2400 crore, showing his commitment to ‘Khelo India,’ Youth Games, University Games, and Winter Games.
Thakur praised the increased participation of women in sports under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He highlighted the outstanding performances of weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and badminton player PV Sindhu, which have inspired young girls and women to excel in the field of sports. Thakur also acknowledged the pride brought to the nation by our female athletes’ medal-winning performances in the Tokyo and Rio Olympics.
The success of events like ‘Khelo India’ and the ‘MPs’ Sports Competitions’ is encouraging and supporting athletes. Thakur emphasized that ‘Khelo India’ is nurturing the country’s sporting talent, and as a result, Indian athletes are now shining at international competitions with the tricolor flying high.
He appreciated the efforts of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in promoting sports in the state, leading to unprecedented development in the field. The last edition of the Youth Games, held in Haryana, witnessed the breaking of 12 records, but this time, 25 national records were broken by 12 athletes, with most of them being achieved by female players.
