MP from Jaipur Rural and my colleague Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, all the players, coaches and my young friends!
First of all, heartiest congratulations to the players who have won medals, and each player, coach and their family members, who have participated in the Jaipur Mahakhel event. All of you have come to the playground of Jaipur not just to play but to win, and to learn. And, where there is a lesson, victory is automatically assured. No player ever returns empty handed from a competition.
Friends,
Now we all have also witnessed the wonderful game of the Kabaddi players. I can see many familiar faces in today's closing ceremony who have brought laurels to India at the international level in sports. I could see Asian Games medallist Ram Singh, Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awardee para athlete brother Devendra Jhajharia, Arjuna awardee Sakshi Kumari and other senior players too. I am very happy to see these sports stars who have come here to cheer for the players of Jaipur Rural.
Friends,
Today, the series of sports competitions and sports Mahakumbhs that have started in the country is a reflection of a big change. The land of Rajasthan is known for the enthusiasm and potential of its youth. History is witness to the fact that the children of this heroic land can turn even the battlefield to a playground with their bravery. Hence, from the past till today, the youth of Rajasthan are second to none when it comes to the defence of the country. Rajasthani sports traditions have played a major role in developing this physical and mental strength of the youth here. Be it the 'Dara' game that has been organized on Makar Sankranti for hundreds of years, or traditional games like 'Tolia/Rumal Jhapatta' associated with childhood memories, these are ingrained in the traditions of Rajasthan. That's why, this state has produced several sporting talents in the country and has enhanced the glory of the tricolour by winning several medals. And the people of Jaipur have elected an Olympic medallist as MP. I am glad that Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore ji is working to repay what the country has given to him to the new generation through the 'MP Sports Competition'. We have to expand these efforts further so that its impact grows even wider. The successful organization of 'Jaipur Mahakhel' is the continuation of our similar efforts. This year, the participation of more than 600 teams and 6,500 youth is a reflection of its success. I have been told that more than 125 girls' teams have also participated in this event. This increasing participation of daughters is sending out a pleasant message.
Friends,
In this period of 'Azadi Ka Amritkaal', the country is framing new definitions and developing new systems. For the first time in the country, the field of 'sports' is being seen not through the prism of the government, but through the eyes of the players. I know, nothing is impossible for the young generation of youthful India. When the youngsters get strength, self-respect, self-reliance, facilities and resource power, then every goal becomes easy to achieve. The glimpse of this approach of the country is also visible in this budget. This time, in the country's budget, the sports department has been allocated a budget of about Rs 2500 crore. But before 2014, the budget for the sports department used to remain around 800 or 850 crore rupees only. That is, compared to 2014, the budget of the country's sports department has increased almost three times. This time, a budget of more than Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for the 'Khelo India' campaign alone. This money will be used towards developing resources and facilities in every field related to sports.
Friends,
Earlier, even though the youth of the country had the spirit and talent for sports, often the lack of resources and government support would become a hurdle each time. Now this challenge of our players is also being resolved. I will give you the example of this Jaipur Mahakhel. This event has been going on in Jaipur for the last 5-6 years. Similarly, in every corner of the country, the MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party are organizing 'Khel Mahakumbhs' in their respective areas. Thousands of youngsters and talented players are participating in different sports in these plethora of sporting events. As a result of the 'Sansad Khel Mahakumbh', thousands of new talents of the country are emerging.
Friends,
All this has been possible because the central government is now developing sports facilities at the district level and local level. So far, sports infrastructure has been created for lakhs of youth in hundreds of districts of the country. In Rajasthan too, sports infrastructure is being constructed by the central government in several cities. Today, sports universities are also being set up in the country, and major events like Khel Mahakumbh are also being organized in a professional manner.
This time the maximum possible budget has been provided to the National Sports University. It is our endeavour to create an environment for learning every discipline related to sports management and sports technology as a result of which the youth will get an opportunity to build a career in this field.
Friends,
Our government is also ensuring that no youngster should be left behind due to lack of money. The central government now provides an assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh annually to the best performing players. The amount given in major sports awards has also been increased up to three times. Even in Major global competitions like the Olympics, now the government stands with its players with complete robustness. Athletes have been preparing for the Olympics for years through schemes like TOPS.
Friends,
The most important thing for any player to move forward in the field of sports is maintaining one's fitness. If you are fit, you will be superhit. And, as much as fitness is necessary in the field of sports, it is equally necessary in the field of life. That is why, today along with Khelo India, Fit India is also a massive mission for the country. Our diet and nutrition also play a crucial role in our fitness. Therefore, I would also like to discuss one such campaign with all of you, which was started by India, but has now become a global campaign. You must have heard that on the proposal of India, the United Nations (UN) is celebrating the year 2023 as International Millet Year. And Rajasthan is home to a very rich tradition of millets. And now it should be recognized nationwide. So it is very important that people know these coarse grains by the name of 'Shri Anna'. This time the same has also been mentioned in the budget. This is a superfood; this is 'Shri Anna'. And that's why Rajasthan's coarse grains like Bajra and Jowar, will now be known as 'Shri Anna'. It is its identity. And who does not know this, who knows Rajasthan. Can anyone forget Bajra Kheechra and churma of our Rajasthan? I have a special appeal to all of you, youths. You should not only include Shri Anna i.e. coarse grains in your diet but also turn into brand ambassadors in schools and colleges among the young generations.
Friends,
Today's youth should not remain confined to only one field. They are not only multi-talented but also multi-dimensional. That is why the country is also working for the all-round development of the youth. On the one hand, modern sports infrastructure is being built for the youth, while a National Digital Library for children and youth has also been proposed in this budget. Through the National Digital Library, books on every subject like science, history, sociology, Sanskrit will be available digitally at every level, from city to village. This will give a new height to your learning experience. All the resources will be made available on your computer and mobile.
Friends,
Sports is not only a skill; sports is also a huge industry. A large number of people also get employment by making things and resources related to sports. These works are mostly done by small scale MSMEs in our country. This time, many important announcements have also been made in the budget to strengthen the MSMEs related to the sports sector. I want to tell you about another scheme. This scheme is PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman i.e. PM Vikas Yojana. This scheme will be of great help to such people who are self-employed and create or manufacture with their hands, skills and hand-operated tools. From financial support to creating new markets for them, every kind of assistance will be provided by the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. This will also create huge opportunities for employment and self-employment for our youth.
Friends,
Where efforts are made with heart, results are also assured. The country made efforts and we have seen the results in Tokyo Olympics and Commonwealth Games. The efforts of all of you in Jaipur Mahakhel will produce such wonderful results in future. From amongst you all, the next gold and silver medallists are going to emerge for the country. If you are determined, you will enhance the glory of the tricolour even in the Olympics. Wherever you go, you will bring laurels to the country. I am sure, our youth will carry the country's success far ahead. In this spirit, thank you very much. My best wishes to you all!
