PRIME Minister Narendra Modi’s pet sports project ‘Khelo India’ that was proposed by Government of India in 2017 to revive nation’s sporting culture by engaging with children at the grassroots level, has received overwhelming response. Most of the prominent cities in the country are having a‘Khelo India’ centre and by August 15, 2023 the number of centres across India will be over 1000, informed Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. “Khelo India Centres have helped Indian youngsters by providing them a new platform to showcase their sporting talent. At present wee have sanctioned 945 such centres and before August 15, we will complete 1000 centres. Modi ji has already approved the Khelo India project for five more years. The Sports budget that was 900 crore in 2014 now stands at a whopping Rs 3397 crore,” said Thakur while interacting with media during a ‘Meet The Press’ programme organised by Press Club on its premises on Sunday evening. Highlighting India’s success in sports, Thakur praised country’s maiden triumph at Thomas Cup. He also informed that players are now winning more medals in Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games. The overall performance is on a rise across all sports, he added.

 

Thakur also felt that if all MPs follow Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s sporting extravaganza model (Khasdar Krida Mahotsav), it will be a big boost for sports in the country. On the status of SAI (Sports Authority of India) project in Nagpur, Thakur said, “I have learnt that a part of the lad proposed for the project is under encroachment. I have asked the concerned people to start work of compound wall around the area that is not encroached in first stage and also take legal course to remove the encroachment.We want to have a beautiful sports complex for the people of Nagpur that will be beneficial for the sportspersons.” To a query whether India should play the Asia Cup if hosted by Pakistan, Thakur put the ball in BCCI’s court by saying, “Let the BCCI decide first.We will look into the matter later.” Bhandara MP Sunil Mendhe and Member of Legislative Council from Bhandara-Gondia Constituency Parinay Fuke shared the dais with Thakur. Press Club President Pradeep Maitra introduced the guests while former NUWJ General Secretary Anupam Soni proposed a vote of thanks.