PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said his Government is encouraging youngsters to pursue a career in sports and the Ministry’s budget has been increased almost three times since 2014. There was no lack of passion and talent for sports among the youth in India but it was the unavailability of resources and support from the Government that created hindrances in the past, he said and underlined that these issues are now being addressed.

“In the Amrit Kaal of independence, the country is forging new definitions and creating a new order,” the Prime Minister said, noting that sports is finally being viewed from the athletes’ perspective and not from the Government’s.

“Our Government is attentive that no youth should be left behind due to shortage of money,” the Prime Minister said, adding the Centre is now supporting the best-performing players by providing them up to Rs 5 lakh annually.

Modi was addressing virtually the ‘Jaipur Mahakhel’ sporting event being organised by Lok Sabha MP from Jaipur Rural and former Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.

Nothing is impossible for the youngsters of India and every objective becomes easier when the strength of their capabilities is realised and they are given adequate encouragement, the Prime Minister said. He said that today’s youth does not want to remain confined to just one field due to their multi-talented and multi-dimensional capabilities.

“We are encouraging youngsters to pursue a career in sports. Initiatives like TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) are benefiting youngsters in preparing for major sporting events. The Sports Budget of the country has increased almost three times since 2014,” he said. He said that the Sports Ministry has been allocated a budget of Rs 2,500 crore this year compared to 800-850 crore before 2014.