Sports Infrastructure Alone Cannot Deliver Medals; PM Modi Stresses Strong Sporting Culture

10 Aug 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that India needs more than sports infrastructure to achieve sustained success. He said a strong sporting culture must accompany facilities to create champions.

Interacting with India’s Commonwealth Games champions, Prime Minister Modi praised athletes for transforming Indian sport.

He said their medals inspire schoolchildren more effectively than routine promotional efforts. “Your medal inspires them more than anything we could say by going to schools,” he remarked.

PM Modi recalled his long-standing tradition of meeting sportspersons during his 12-to 13-year tenure.

He also interacted with para-athlete Sharmila Dhankar and encouraged her daughters’ sporting ambitions.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted para-athlete Dilip Mahadu Gavit’s tribute to his coach and recalled an athlete’s emotional podium moment after four years of injuries and hardship. He said such victories inspire future generations.

He noted India’s growing stature in global boxing and credited the Khelo India Scheme and competition support for strengthening grassroots talent. “World players have now started fearing these boxers too,” he said.

PM Modi praised Army boxer Jadumani Singh for defeating a Pakistani opponent 5-0 on Kargil Vijay Diwas and dedicating the win to Army heroes. He also shared a light-hearted exchange with Narender Berwal.

He lauded weightlifter Rishikanta Singh and SAI’s role in supporting his journey from local centres to international success.

Prime Minister Modi also discussed upgraded facilities in Varanasi and Bhopal and praised SAI and Khelo India, launched in 2018.

He congratulated judoka Asmita Dey and wished birthday celebrant Mirabai Chanu. He urged athletes to maintain their winning momentum and said, “He who plays, blooms”.