UP has become ‘sangam’ of sports: PM

Lucknow, May 25: Uttar Pradesh has become a “sangam” of sportspersons from across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday after inaugurating the Khelo India University Games.

Addressing the event virtually, Mr Modi said the Commonwealth Games scam demonstrated the approach of the previous government towards sports.

The scam surfaced during the UPA II government tenure in 2010.

“Earlier, no attention was paid to the development of sports. It was considered that sports are a means only to spend spare time. But today, I am happy that the perception of society and parents has changed in the country,” the prime minister said.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Union minister for youth affairs and sports Anurag Thakur were among those present at the event.

This year, the Khelo India University Games are being held from May 25 to June 3 in Uttar Pradesh. Over 4,750 athletes from more than 200 universities will be competing in 21 sports. The competitions will be organised in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow and Gautam Buddha Nagar.

Mr Modi said 4,000 athletes taking part in the games have come from different states and regions and welcomed them as a member of Parliament from the state.

He expressed delight that the closing ceremony of the event will take place in Varanasi which is his parliamentary constituency.

Observing the importance of organising the third edition of the games when India is celebrating “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, Mr Modi said the event has become an excellent medium to inculcate the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” along with team spirit.

Mr Modi said in the last nine years, a new era of sports started in India which is not just about making India a big power in sports but also empowering society through the medium of sports.