Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday highlighted the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in transforming India’s sports ecosystem, saying that a healthy body is the foundation of a strong and empowered nation.
Speaking in a video message, CM Yogi said the Prime Minister has inspired the country to understand how physical fitness, discipline, and sports contribute directly to nation-building. He stressed that India’s approach towards sports has witnessed a decisive shift after 2014.
Sports Were Not a Priority Before 2014: CM Yogi Adityanath
CM Yogi Adityanath said that before 2014, sports and competitive athletics were not a key priority in government policy. He noted that the lack of international-level infrastructure and institutional support had negatively affected Indian athletes for decades.
“Our players suffered due to the absence of proper policies and world-class infrastructure. Sports was not treated as a national priority,” he said.
Khelo India and Fit India Changed the Landscape
Highlighting initiatives launched under the Modi government, Yogi Adityanath said programmes such as Khelo India and the Fit India Movement have fundamentally changed how sports are viewed in the country.
“After 2014, the Modi government brought sports to the centre of national policy. Through Khelo India and Fit India, we are moving towards self-reliance in sports,” he said.
He added that the Prime Minister has inspired not just elite athletes but also players at the village level, ensuring grassroots participation and talent identification.
Revival of India’s Traditional Sports Culture
CM Yogi also referred to India’s ancient traditions, saying that India’s ancestors placed great importance on sports, fitness, and physical discipline. He said these values are deeply rooted in Indian culture and are now being revived through modern policies.
“Our Vedas emphasised the importance of health. All resources in life can be achieved only through a healthy body,” he said.
Discipline and Fitness Key to Nation-Building
Stressing the importance of discipline, Yogi Adityanath said taking care of one’s body is essential not just for personal well-being but for the nation’s progress as well.
“A disciplined life and a healthy body empower an individual, and when citizens are healthy, the nation automatically becomes stronger,” the Chief Minister said.
Sports as a National Mission
The remarks underline the government’s broader vision of integrating sports and fitness into daily life, education, and national development. With increased investment in infrastructure, training, and athlete welfare, sports is now being positioned as a national mission rather than a sidelined activity.
CM Yogi Adityanath’s comments reinforce the growing emphasis on fitness, discipline, and sports as essential pillars in building a self-reliant and empowered India.
